"This entire incident was captured on a cell phone video, taken by one of the witnesses to the incident," Assistant State's Attorney James Santini said. Martin was shot to death Monday afternoon on her way home from school. Three people have been charged, including a 14-year-old girl, a 17-year-old boy and a 25-year-old man. A vigil is set to be held Wednesday evening near the scene of the crime.
The 25-year-old man, Donnell Flora, appeared at the Cook County Courthouse Wednesday on a first-degree murder charge and a further charge of aggravated battery with a firearm. Prosecutors said he supplied the murder weapon to his 14-year-old niece after taking the bus to the scene, and that he had foreknowledge of the crime.
"Upon arriving at the location," said Santini, "the defendant provided the loaded gun to the 14-year-old co-offender, knowing she was going to become involved in a fight."
The 14-year-old girl was charged with first-degree murder in juvenile court. She allegedly pulled the trigger. The 17-year-old allegedly tried to hide the gun after the shooting. He is charged with illegally having a gun, using it and then trying to get rid of it after shooting. He is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
Martin's family says she and the alleged shooter were close friends who were fighting over a boy in a dispute that originally started on Facebook. They attended the same school.
"She used to do all her work. She seemed like a nice person," classmate Michael Baker said. "I never thought she would do something like that."
"She wasn't a bad kid, I mean, everybody gets suspended. She wasn't bad," classmate Kimberly Taylor said. "When I heard that, I was sad for her. It hurts my heart to see her life is away. She throw her life away."
