LAHARPE, Ill., — A 17-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with a New Year's Eve shooting in Hancock County that left a LaHarpe woman dead in her home.
Madison Finch, 19, was shot to death at her residence near the corner of Conch Drive and Terre Haute Road in north LaHarpe either late Sunday or early Monday, according to Jason Pohren, an Illinois state's attorney based in Carthage, Illinois.
A press release issued by his office Tuesday morning said the 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery.
The teenager, whose name has not been released, appeared in court at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage. A public defender was appointed to represent him. He remains in the Hancock County jail in lieu of a bond. His next court appearance is set for Jan. 23.
Authorities said the girl was shot in the back of the head with a .22 caliber handgun.
The victim, who was a freshman at Illinois University, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. Authorities did not say how, when or where the suspect was arrested.
"The Hancock County State's Attorney's Office has filed various charges against the defendant and (prosecutors) intend to (ask the court) that the matter transferred to (adult) criminal court," Pohren said in the statement released by his office prior to the teenager's first court appearance Tuesday.
Pohren said the court will determine at the Jan. 23 hearing if the juvenile's case will be transferred to criminal court. If the judge rules he should be tried as an adult, it is likely his name will be released at that time.
"Due to the nature of this case, the Hancock County State's Attorney's Office and law enforcement will not make any further comments on the matter (at this time)," according to Pohren's statement.
Specific details of the shooting and subsequent arrest of the suspect have not been released. Pohren's statement did not say if additional arrests could be made in connection with the shooting.
Investigators have not revealed a motive for the shooting.
According to authorities, police and emergency crews were dispatched to the residence about 1:30 a.m. Monday, where a New Year's Eve party was being held. During the party, an argument ensued and at least one shot was fired, killing the woman.
People in the area where the shooting occurred said several vehicles were towed from the scene by law enforcement following the shooting. Yellow police tape was used to cordon off the residence.