Chicago Cop Found Guilty In Killing Of 13 Year Old Bicyclist

A Chicago cop has been found guilty of reckless homicide in the death of a 13 year old bicyclist, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.  After deliberating for nine hours a jury found Richard Bolling guilty in the death of Trenton Booker who he struck with his car as the boy rode his bicycle near 81st and Ashland in May, 2009.  He faces up to 15 years in jail.  In addition to the reckless homicide charge, the off-duty officer was found guilty of aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.  He had denied being intoxicated and that he knew he had struck the boy.  Prosecutors had claimed that police officers responding to the scene gave Bolling preferential treatment.

Recording Taken Of Chicago Cop Accused Of Killing 13 Year Old Bicyclist Played For Jury

A recording of the Chicago police officer accused of hitting and killing a 13 year old bicyclist was played for jurors yesterday revealing some of his early thoughts after striking the boy with his car.  Apparently recorded after his arrest by fellow officers they seem to reveal concern for the damage to his car and the fate of some uneaten hamburgers that remained in his vehicle, according to an account by the Chicago Tribune.  The recordings also suggest that responding police officers may have failed to abide by ordinary procedures after the arrest of the allegedly intoxicated officer.

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Trial Of Chicago Cop Accused Of Killing 13 Year Old Bicyclist Starts This Week

Trial is scheduled to get underway this week against a Chicago police officer charged with aggravated DUI and reckless homicide arising from the death of a 13 year old who was riding his bicycle at 81st Street and Ashland Avenue in May, 2009.  The boy, Trenton Booker, was riding with a friend when Richard Bolling, who was off-duty at the time, allegedly struck him with his car then kept going, according to the Chicago Tribune.  Witnesses estimated that Bolling had been traveling at about 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.  The impact threw the young boy into the air and under a parked car.

It is alleged that when his fellow officers caught up with him there was a less than vigorous effort to gather evidence.  Allegedly, he was not given a Breathalyzer until 4 1/2 hours after the crash after pressure was placed by police Internal Affairs.  At that time he registered 0.079 percent, just under the legal limit, according to the Trib.