A 15-year-old girl has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Kyle Bickham, 29, who was allegedly pushed from a moving CTA Red Line train in Chicago on September 7. The Chicago Police Department announced the arrest Friday.
Authorities stated that Bickham was pushed by three individuals during an altercation on the train. The fall resulted in him coming into contact with the third rail and being struck by an oncoming train. The exact details and catalyst for the altercation have not yet been released.
Bickham was reportedly on his way home after an overnight shift at an Amazon warehouse at the time of the incident. His family described him as a hardworking individual dedicated to building a future for himself and as a caring person devoted to his family.
"He was just trying to make an honest day's living, and this is what happened," his mother, Latanya Bickham, told reporters. His father, Christopher Bickham Sr., characterized his son as "an all-around caring guy" who loved writing poetry and expressed affection for his family.
Bickham, the youngest of four siblings, had recently moved into a new apartment and maintained a demanding work schedule. His grandmother, Bertha Ford, referred to those involved as "evil" for their actions.
The 15-year-old suspect, identified as a missing person from the southern suburbs of Chicago, faces felony charges including first-degree murder, mob action, murder by other forcible felony, and aggravated battery to a transit employee. She was ordered held without bail during a court hearing on Saturday.
Authorities are still seeking the other two individuals who were allegedly involved in pushing Bickham from the train. A GoFundMe page has been established to support funeral expenses, aiming to raise $14,000 and having already garnered over $11,500.