Judge in Kyle Rittenhouse trial drops gun possession charge, adds lesser charges

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KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) — An underage gun possession charge has been dropped for the Illinois man on trial for killing two people and injuring a third, while lesser charges have been added.

Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed Count 6, which is a misdemeanor, because the defense argued the AR-15 firearm that Kyle Rittenhouse had the night of the shooting did not fit the definition of a short-barreled shotgun under state statute.

While that charge was eliminated, other lesser charges were added, specifically to counts 4 and 5.

In Count 4, tied to the death of Anthony Huber, the most serious charge is first degree intentional homicide. The jury can also consider added lesser charges which include 2nd degree intentional homicide and 1st degree reckless homicide.

In Count 5, connected to the shooting of Gaige Grosskreutz, the main charge is first degree intentional homicide. The lesser charges the jury can also consider is attempted 2nd degree intentional homicide and 1st degree recklessly endangering safety.

The jury cannot convict on both the main charge and the lesser charge.

Closing arguments continued Monday afternoon. Jury deliberations are expected to begin Monday evening.


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