Mother testifies about being told of Hadiya's shooting
CHICAGO (AP) - Prosecutors have rested their case against one of the suspects in the 2013 shooting of 15-year-old Chicago high school honor student Hadiya Pendleton.
Members of separate juries hearing the cases against Micheail Ward and Kenneth Williams listened attentively Monday as Pendleton's mother, Cleopatra Cowley, testified. She spoke about receiving news of her daughter's shooting. Cowley said a police officer assured her that her daughter would be OK. However, the officer didn't allow her to speak to Pendleton.
After Cowley left the stand, prosecutors rested their case against Williams, the alleged getaway driver. The case against Ward will resume Tuesday.
Prosecutors allege the shooting by Ward was a botched attempt at retaliation at a South Side park that was the hangout of a rival gang.
Pendleton was with friends at the park 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from former President Barack Obama's Chicago home. Pendleton was killed days after performing with her high school band at Obama's inaugural festivities.