Accused Killer's Plea Deal Nixed | Illinois PatchPM

Here are the stories trending across Illinois on Friday night.

Defendant In Gas Station Homicide Denied Second-Degree Murder Plea Deal

Kevin Johnson, now 20, was 16 at the time of the slaying, and has been in custody on a $2.5 million bond since being charged with murder in the shooting death of 19-year-old Charles Baird. "He was 19, learning life, figuring it out, finding himself, and it was cut short being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That goes through my mind day in, day out. How I wish I was there to protect him. I would have taken that bullet in a heartbeat, no question. I would have because he was my son, and we do whatever to keep them safe," Baird's mother told Patch.>>Read More.

Steve 'Mongo' McMichael To Be Released After Week In Hospital

After a week in the hospital receiving treatment for multiple infections, Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael will be released and return home Thursday, his family announced. Two weeks ago, McMichael learned he will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.>>Read More.

115MPH Chase, Multiple Crashes Lead To 2 Arrests

A 17-year-old is accused of hitting multiple police cars and an electrical box while fleeing at speeds of up to 115 MPH.>>Read More.

Burglar 'Acting Suspicious' Near Police Officer's Home Arrested: Cops

Officials say she was spotted "acting suspiciously" near the home of a member of the criminal investigations unit.>>Read More.

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