2 charged with killing teen over bike: "2 charged with killing teen over bike

April 23, 2005

BY LISA DONOVAN Staff Reporter

In the end, Mario Morgan, 16, paid the ultimate price for taking back what was his: a green 10-speed bicycle stolen a week ago.

That's what his mother and police said Friday as detectives announced first-degree murder charges against Robert Kennedy 16, of the 5700 block of South Ada -- the alleged triggerman -- and Christopher Butler, 17, of the 5700 block of South Elizabeth, suspected of providing the gun used in this week's slaying in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

Wednesday afternoon, Morgan spotted someone riding his bike down the block. He walked up to the youth, a longtime adversary, and asked him to return it, according to witness accounts.

The cyclist stopped, threw down the bike, and punches were thrown, police said. It seemed the fight was over when Morgan got his bike back, and the youth who had been riding it left the scene.

But a short time later, as Morgan stood on a porch in the 5900 block of South Ada, the youth who had been on the bike approached and pulled out a gun, police said. He fired several shots, striking Morgan, who was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital. The Hubbard High School sophomore was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.

The shooting was apparently the culmination of a long simmering feud between the two youths, including a recent argument over the bike and money Morgan believed Kennedy took, police said.

Friday, Morgan's mother, Patricia Conwell, was still in shock that her son died over a bicycle. She spoke of his great laugh, his way with kids, his love of music, and how he filled the family's home with joy. A funeral is scheduled next Friday."

posted by Chaddo 4/23/2005 02:01:00 PM