A preliminary hearing date was set for two suspects arrested Oct. 24 in response to reports of shots fired into a residence on 12th Street.

Marc D. Griffin, 21, Chicago, and Crystal P. Lovemore, 19, 1151 Johnson Ave., a sophomore undeclared major, appeared Monday at the Coles County Courthouse for their arraignment hearing.

Local attorney Lonnie Lutz was appointed as Lovemore’s defense counsel and the two appeared before circuit court judge Theresa Righter.

Lovemore’s preliminary hearing was scheduled for 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1.

Co-defendant Griffin appeared alone. Assistant State’s Attorney Duane Deters denied Griffin’s motion for appointment of a public defender, on the grounds that Griffin was able to post $3,000 cash bond.

Griffin requested 30 days to find an attorney, but that motion was denied to ensure the co-defendants’ “cases are kept on track,” Deters said.

Righter set an appearance date for Griffin for Monday, Nov. 15 at 9 a.m.

She said Griffin and his attorney must be present for the hearing and charges can be filed in his absence.

Both Griffin and Lovemore are facing preliminary aggravated discharge of a firearm charges, said Coles County State’s Attorney Steve Ferguson.

Charleston police arrested Griffin and Lovemore Oct. 24 near Domino’s Pizza at Seventh and Lincoln Streets on aggravated discharge of a firearm charges, after 1514 12th Street residents were brought to the arrest scene to identify the suspects.

Six people were present in the home when shots were fired, but no one was injured.

The Class One Felony charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm claims a suspect “knowingly or intentionally” fired a firearm into a building while aware people occupied the building. According to the charge, the suspect must also have discharged the firearm from outside the occupied building.

A conviction could lead to a sentence of probation or jail time, Ferguson said.

City Editor Carly Mullady can be reached at [email protected].