Two 15-year-olds have been charged in connection with the murder of Kyle Bickham, 29, who was allegedly pushed from a moving Chicago Transit Authority Red Line train and struck by another train last month. A girl and boy, both 15 and unidentified due to their age, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Prosecutors stated that Bickham was surrounded by a group of individuals on the train before one suspect pulled an emergency lever, forced open the doors, and pushed him onto the tracks where he was killed by an oncoming train. Witnesses reportedly heard one suspect say, "He shouldn't have messed with us."
The defense, however, claimed that Bickham initiated the altercation by touching the group's bags, appearing intoxicated, and smelling of alcohol.
The teenage boy faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery of a transit employee, and mob action. His charges were filed weeks after the 15-year-old girl was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, murder by other forcible felony, mob action, and aggravated battery of a transit employee.
These two minors are the fourth and fifth individuals arrested in connection with Bickham's death. Christian McBounds, 18, was charged on September 23 with first-degree murder and related offenses. Days prior, Katlar Parchman, 19, was arrested on similar charges after authorities identified her from surveillance footage.
Investigators reportedly found suspicious searches on Parchman's phone, including "good places to lay low" and "who are the police looking for," shortly after the attack. She was identified using her Ventra card and a selfie that allegedly showed her wearing the same clothing as seen in surveillance footage.
Bickham's death occurred on September 7 as he was heading home from his job at an Amazon warehouse. He boarded the Red Line at the 95th Street station, the same stop where the other suspects also boarded. Surveillance footage and witness accounts suggest the altercation began when Bickham spoke to Parchman, leading to an argument with the 15-year-old girl.
The confrontation escalated, with prosecutors alleging Bickham spat at the girl and Parchman. The group then allegedly surrounded Bickham, punching and striking him as they moved towards the rear of the train car. During the struggle, one individual allegedly choked Bickham while another activated the emergency lever and opened the train doors. The 15-year-old girl, with assistance, is accused of forcing Bickham out of the moving train near the 69th Street station.
Bickham's mother questioned the ease with which the train doors could be opened while the train was in motion. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, according to police.
The 15-year-old girl was taken into custody on September 11 and ordered held without bond after a probable cause finding on all counts. Parchman was arrested on September 16. Her attorneys have argued for her innocence, stating she has no prior criminal record and is a nursing assistant.
Bickham's family expressed profound grief over his death. "They took happiness. They took sunshine. They just took the world from me," said his father, Christopher Bickham Sr.