Streator man charged with murder seeks pivotal witness in his defense

Trial set for March 3

January 04, 2025 at 5:40 am CST

He's ready for trial on July 21. Malcolm Whitfield of Streator, seen here at a 2023 appearance in La Salle County Circuit Court, left a courtroom Friday without a negotiated plea. Attorneys have signaled their ready for trial. Whitfield faces up to 145 years if convicted of killing Shaquita Kelly and injuring two others in a 2023 shooting. — A Streator man charged with shooting three people, killing one, will stand trial for murder on March 3. Malcolm Whitfield, 31, also listed in DeKalb, appeared Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in La Salle County Circuit Court and asked for additional time to find a key witness. Whitfield is charged in the spring 2023 shooting of three people including Shaquita Kelly, who died from her gunshot injuries. (Scott Anderson)

A Streator man charged with shooting three people, killing one, will stand trial for murder March 3.

Malcolm Whitfield, 31, also listed in DeKalb, appeared Friday in La Salle County Circuit Court. He was set for a jury trial later this month for the spring 2023 shooting of three people including Shaquita Kelly, who died from her gunshot injuries.

On Friday, however, Whitfield and Public Defender Ryan Hamer requested a continuance, and Whitfield agreed to continue waiving his right to a speedy trial. Hamer disclosed in open court that he wants additional time to seek and interview a witness whose testimony could be pivotal to Whitfield’s defense.

Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. agreed and ordered Whitfield to appear Feb. 28 for a final pretrial conference.

Whitfield, who faces a complicated sentencing range up to 145 years, remains held in the La Salle County Jail pending trial.