Chicago police arrested 19-year-old Katlar Parchman on Sept. 16 and charged her with murder and other felonies after prosecutors say 29-year-old Kyle Bickham was pushed from a moving Red Line train near 69th Street on Sept. 7. Authorities allege Bickham was involved in an onboard confrontation, was forced out of the train onto the electrified third rail and was struck by another train; the Cook County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide. A 15-year-old previously was charged in the case, and the investigation remains active as family members seek answers and accountability.
19-Year-Old Charged After Man Is Pushed From Moving Chicago Red Line Train, Authorities Say
Photo by: Scott Olson / Getty Images
Chicago police have charged 19-year-old Katlar Parchman in connection with the Sept. 7 death of 29-year-old Kyle Bickham, who investigators say was pushed from a moving Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line train near the 69th Street station on the city’s South Side.
Parchman was arrested on Sept. 16 and faces multiple felony counts, including one count of first-degree murder, two counts of murder during the commission of another forcible felony, aggravated battery to a transit employee and mob action involving force by two or more people, authorities said. She appeared in court and a judge ordered her to remain detained pending further proceedings.
Allegations and Timeline
According to prosecutors, the confrontation began aboard the train when Bickham — who was reportedly traveling with a group of four people — approached passengers and their belongings, touching off an argument. Court filings allege Bickham spat on Parchman and a 15-year-old girl who was previously arrested in connection with the case.
Prosecutors say the incident escalated: Parchman allegedly struck Bickham — punching, slapping and grabbing him — while other members of the group surrounded him. Investigators assert the group pulled an emergency lever, opened the train doors while the train was moving and forced Bickham out of the rail car. He fell onto the electrified third rail, became incapacitated and was later struck by another train. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Bickham and ruled his death a homicide.
Previous Arrests And Investigation Status
A 15-year-old girl was arrested Sept. 11 and charged with first-degree murder and other felony counts; her name has not been released because she is a juvenile. Police say multiple people were involved in the confrontation, and investigators have not publicly announced charges against others who were identified during the ongoing probe.
Family Reaction
"He loved writing poetry and spending time with his family," said Christopher Bickham Sr., describing his son as hardworking and devoted. Bickham’s relatives have appealed for information and demanded answers about how train doors could be opened while the train was moving.
Bickham’s family said he was returning to Lansing after working at an Amazon warehouse in Cicero. They have held a vigil near the 69th Street station and publicly pressed for accountability as the investigation continues.
Legal Presumption
Parchman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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