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Judge determines trial fitness

Posted August 20, 2013 10:02 am

Daily Herald report

A man accused of killing a North Chicago teen was deemed fit to stand trial Tuesday. Jim McPherson, 22, of North Chicago, faces three counts of first-degree murder for killing Janay McFarlane, 18, on Feb. 15 in the 1300 block of Jackson Avenue in North Chicago. The shooting took place only hours after McFarlane’s sister sat near President Barack Obama while he made a nationally televised speech regarding gun violence. On Tuesday, Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti asked McPherson questions to determine if he understood the charges and if he understood the courtroom proceedings taking place. After McPherson answered the questions, Rossetti determined he was mentally fit to stand trial. The trial is scheduled for Nov. 12, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for Sept. 18. McPherson could be sentenced up to 85 years in prison if found guilty of the charges against him. Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim is personally prosecuting the case.

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