Rittenhouse Will Remain In Illinois For At Least 30 More Days

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old Illinois boy charged with first-degree intentional homicide in connection with Tuesday night’s two fatal shootings in Kenosha will remain in custody Illinois for at least another month.

Rittenhouse was arrested Wednesday in Antioch, Illinois where he lives, and faces charges in Wisconsin after prosecutors say he fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, of Kenosha and Anthony Huber, 26, of Silver Lake and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 26, of West Allis.

Prosecutors say Rittenhouse was armed with an AR-15 in Downtown Kenosha Tuesday night during the third night of Jacob Blake-related protests. Authorities say Blake, 29, was shot several times by a Kenosha police officer during the course of a domestic dispute Sunday. News of Blake's shooting quickly spread, sparking mass-scale protests throughout the city.

A hearing Friday morning in Lake County, Illinois on the status of extradition for Rittenhouse was continued until September 25 to allow time for Rittenhouse to hire a private attorney.

Rittenhouse did not appear at the hearing, which was held via Zoom, and was represented by Jennifer Snyder, a Lake County assistant public defender. Dino Katris, an assistant state's attorney, handled the hearing for the state. Rittenhouse asked to waive his presence at Friday morning's hearing in order to coordinate legal representation. His next extradition status hearing will be September 25 at 9 a.m. via Zoom.

During the September 25 hearing, lawyers will discuss whether Wisconsin law enforcement can transfer Rittenhouse across the border and up to Kenosha County to face charges. The extradition process could be quick or lengthy depending on how Rittenhouse's attorney plans to proceed, said Lee Filas, communications manager with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.

Detectives said they used multiple cell phone videos and witness statements to piece together the shootings, which took place during the city's third night of civil unrest. Rittenhouse was among a group of civilians — some armed — out on the streets well after the 8 p.m. curfew enacted by the city.

In the first video of the incident, police say Rittenhouse can be seen running across the parking lot of a car dealership holding a Smith & Wesson AR-15-style rifle. Minors are not allowed to open carry firearms in Wisconsin; and under Illinois law, Rittenhouse did not qualify for a firearm owners ID card, which is only available to those 21 and older.

Just before midnight, Rittenhouse was approached by several people, including Rosenbaum, who attempted to get his gun away, a witness to the shooting told police. Police said Rittenhouse then shot Rosenbaum. It's not clear what led up to the initial confrontation.

• Rittenhouse Charged With Homicide In Kenosha Shootings

Video footage then shows Rittenhouse fleeing the scene while being followed by several people before tripping and falling, according to the criminal complaint. Authorities say Huber reached for Rittenhouse’s gun while he was still on the ground, and Rittenhouse shot him, too. Rittenhouse then sat up and shot Grosskreutz in the arm before again fleeing on foot, according to the criminal complaint.

Rittenhouse has been charged as an adult on six charges in Wisconsin. He has been in custody in Illinois since his arrest Wednesday and is being held without bond at the Hulse Detention Center near Vernon Hills, according to court documents.

If convicted on the most serious charge, first-degree intentional homicide, Rittenhouse would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. He is also charged in Wisconsin with first-degree reckless homicide, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Original Reporting By Amy Schaenzer, Patch Staff