Chicago man on trial for 14-year-old’s slaying in Whiting, tell me about this news in (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/21/chicago-man-trial-14-year-olds-slaying/)

A jury trial began on Monday, September 21, 2026, for Leonardo Nunez, a Chicago man facing murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Damien Abenante.

Key details surrounding the case include:

• The Incident: On March 23, 2024, 14-year-old Damien Abenante of Chicago was walking with friends and family in the 1600 block of LaPorte Avenue in Whiting, Indiana, when he was shot and killed.

• The Suspect and Arrest: Authorities identified Leonardo Nunez (then 20 years old) as the suspect. He was taken into custody without incident by the U.S. Marshals Service at a residence on Chicago’s North Side and subsequently extradited from Cook County Jail to Lake County, Indiana, to face a felony murder charge.

• The Trial: Following pretrial proceedings, jury selection and trial proceedings officially commenced in Lake County court. Prosecutors allege Nunez was responsible for firing the fatal shots that killed the teenager, while the defense represents Nunez as the state presents its evidence and witness testimony to the jury.