A suspect arrested in conjunction with shots fired into a 12th Street residence Oct. 24 will appear in court today

Marc D. Griffin, 21, Chicago, is scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. at the Coles County Circuit Courthouse.

“Mr. Griffin is set for an initial appearance with counsel,” Assistant State’s Attorney Duane Deters said.

During a Nov. 3 appearance, Griffin’s request for a public defender was denied.

Circuit Judge Theresa Righter denied the motion for a public defense attorney after Deters recommended a denial on grounds Griffin was able to post $3,000 cash bond after his arrest.

He requested 30 days to find counsel, but Deters recommended two weeks to keep his case “on track” with co-defendant Crystal P. Lovemore, 19, 1151 Johnson Ave., a sophomore undeclared major.

The two are being charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm for their involvement in a shooting at 1514 11th Street, where officers reportedly found evidence of at least seven shots fired into a home where people were present.

Eastern students Amral L. Johnson, a junior sociology major; Benjamin P. Lorne, sociology major; William G. Bumphus, psychology major; Scott D. Bennett, undeclared freshman; and former students Kyle E. Hill, Bolingbrook, and Jeff Clemins, Hickory Hills, were all inside the residence when shots were fired.

Shortly after, Griffin and Lovemore were arrested by Charleston Police near Domino’s Pizza at Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue.

The preliminary hearing for both Griffin and Lovemore was scheduled for 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1.

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