Teen charged with killing woman outside Starbucks pleads not guilty

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The teenager charged with killing a Chicago woman as she left a Bronzeville Starbucks pleaded not guilty when he faced a judge Monday.

Police arrested the 16-year-old last Friday near 96th and Wentworth. He's facing several charges, including four counts of first degree murder, in connection with the fatal shooting of city worker Yvonne Nelson as she left the coffee shop last month. She was an innocent victim of gang gunfire, police say, and the bullet was intended for a gang member who happened to be on the same sidewalk.

In court Monday, investigators said they tied the teen to the crime through surveillance footage that showed him running from the scene into a nearby home. Inside that home, investigators found a black hoodie with gunshot residue. It was the same hoodie they say the minor was wearing in the surveillance video.

Prosecutors said multiple witnesses from the defendant's high school identified him as the person in the surveillance footage. He is a 10th grader at Wendell Phillips Academy High School in Bronzeville.

Supt. Eddie Johnson said the teen had a history of criminal activity, including a 2015 arrest and sentence of probation for robberies committed in 2014 with a BB gun. Police say he was still on probation at the time of the shooting.

The judge ruled Monday that he must remain in custody of the state. His mother and brother were both present in court.

His next court date is scheduled for July 8.