Rahsaan Strawder, charged with the First Degree Murder of a 14-month-old female child in Colona, rejected an offer from the State and intends to go to Trial in May. Rahsaan Strawder remains in custody on a $1,000,000 (10%) bond. Defense Attorney Camp said he has reviewed discovery with his client. Attorney Camp said they are “not likely to have a negotiated plea”. Attorney Camp said they are looking at a trial date in May to allow him more time to review discovery and for the State to send out notices. State’s Attorney Runty said the state sent an offer in November and the Defense rejected the offer. State’s Attorney Runty said she is hesitant to set a Trial date when the Defense is still reviewing discovery. The State prefers to set another Pre-Trial hearing. Defense Attorney Camp said they are looking at three to four months to prepare for trial. The State needs to send out notices and all parties need to clear schedules for a trial. In the meantime, Attorney Camp said Strawder is sitting in custody during this time.
Judge Dalton said he will set the case for status in early February and then they can set a trial date. A status hearing will be scheduled for the first week of February if possible. No status hearing date has been scheduled at the time of this writing, both parties are to schedule the hearing with Court Administration.
Mr. Strawder is charged with 2 counts of First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), 2 counts of Aggravated Batter to a child under 13 (Class X Felony) and Aggravated Battery (Amended to Class 3 Felony). Mr. Strawder is alleged to have battered a 14 month female child causing her death on January 27, 2022.
