Kyle Rittenhouse, teen accused of killing 2 people in Kenosha, pleads not guilty to all charges

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Jan 5, 2021 9:57 AM CST | Updated: Jan 5, 2021 6:06 PM CST

NOW: Kyle Rittenhouse, teen accused of killing 2 people in Kenosha, pleads not guilty to all charges

Updated: 3:38 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois teen charged with shooting and killing two and hurting a third during Kenosha unrest, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Rittenhouse's court hearing lasted only a few minutes. He was formally arraigned on seven counts -- five of which are felonies.

As expected, Rittenhouse pleaded not guilty. For months, his attorneys have maintained he acted in self defense when he shot and killed 2 protesters and injured another.

Tuesday's hearing was held virtually, with Rittenhouse appearing from his lawyer’s office in Racine.

Supporters of Kyle Rittenhouse still showed up outside the Kenosha Courthouse.

The court commissioner assigned the case to a judge and set a tentative trial date for March 29. But Rittenhouse’s attorney wants more time.

"I don’t know if they have any other dates but I think to be able to try this case in five weeks is kind of ridiculous," said Mark Richards, Rittenhouse's attorney.

Rittenhouse will be back in court March 10 for a pre-trial conference. At that time, the judge could push the trial out.

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Published: 9:57 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2021

See Also Kenosha police, sheriff’s office facing two $10 million damage claims related to Rittenhouse shootings

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58/AP) -- The Illinois teen charged with shooting and killing two people and hurting a third during unrest in Kenosha, is set to appear in court remotely Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Kyle Rittenhouse, now 18 years old, has maintained he was acting in self defense during the shooting this past August.

His arraignment hearing will start at 1 p.m.

Meantime, the city of Kenosha is bracing for a decision to come down in the police shooting of Jacob Blake. The shooting, which was captured on bystander video and left Blake paralyzed, sparked sometimes violent unrest and eventually the deadly confrontation between Rittenhouse and several protesters.

There's no word on exactly when a prosecutor will announce whether the officer who shot Blake will be charged, but it's expected anytime.

Contributions to this story also made by: Kristen Barbaresi