Man accused in Racine murder to stand trial in case

RACINE -- Latriell Thurman, one of two men accused of killing a Racine musician, appeared in court Thursday, August 9th for his preliminary hearing. The court found probable cause and Thurman will stand trial in the case. Thurman is set to be arraigned August 16th.

20-year-old Latriell Thurman and  21-year-old Kiori Billups are charged with first-degree reckless homicide and armed robbery in the killing of 22-year-old Jeremiah Brook.

Brook apparently crashed his car into another parked vehicle on Monday, July 23rd. When police got there, they found blood coming from his chest. Brook died of a gunshot wound to the heart.

According to the criminal complaint, Brook’s cousin told police Brook was selling marijuana. He said Billups had bought weed from Brook in the past but had become “demanding and aggressive.” Prosecutors were already familiar with Billups, known on the street as “Rock.”

12 minutes before Brook’s car crashed, police found a call made from Brook’s cell phone to a house near 11th and Washington. When they searched that house, they found Billups inside. Police found Thurman about three hours later about 10 blocks from the accident scene.

On August 1st a judge granted Billups' request for a hearing to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.

According to the criminal complaint, the two suspects are cousins.

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