This browser does not support the Video element.
RACINE -- A pair of murder suspects make their first appearance in a Racine court Friday. 20-year-old Latriell Thurman and 21-year-old Kiori Billups are charged with first degree reckless homicide and armed robbery.
The charges stem from an incident that happened near 11th and Washington in Racine on Monday, July 23rd. 22-year-old Jeremiah Brook was shot and killed. The circumstances of Brook's death were unclear -- until Friday's court appearance.
Brook apparently crashed his car into another parked vehicle on Monday. 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 Kiori Billups had bought week 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 Thursday, they found Billups inside. Police found Thurman about three hours later about ten blocks from the accident scene.
According to the criminal complaint, the two suspects are cousins.
The court commissioner set a bond of $150,000 for each of the two men. They're due back in court on Wednesday, August 1st.
Related stories: