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Armington Mail

Three of the four defendents charged with the murder of Rebecca Bolin appear in court for arraignment on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. (File Photo)

Defense Argues Against Media in Murder Case

Three of the four suspects accused in the October shooting of Rebecca and Douglas Bolin appeared again in Tazewell County Court on Wednesday November 24th. Andre Street appeared in person, arriving in handcuffs, and escorted by an armed guard. Street was charged with seven crimes including 1st Degree Murder, 1st Degree Attempted Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Home Invasion.

Nathaniel Maloney was slated to appear next, via video conference, unfortunately there was a technical issue with the computer equipment. During this time, the Maloney defense team made an argument regarding the disparity in treatment between the 3 suspects; noting that Andre Street was allowed to appear in person and was allowed to change into “dressy clothes”. He further argued that the court should be “cognizant of images all over the media” and that the “optics amongst the 3 defendants should be at the same level”. However, instead of arguing that his client should be allowed to appear in-person, the defense argued that members of the media should not be permitted to disseminate photos or video of his clients during court proceedings. The state prosecution was allowed to rebuttal, in which they noted that they had no control over jail functions. The judge agreed with the state, adding that the Tazewell County court was a public court, open to members of the media. Around this time, the technical issues surrounding the monitor were fixed, and the arraignment proceeded.

In an act of defiance, Maloney’s legal team attempted to stand between members of the media and the monitor their client was to appear on. The judge, seeming annoyed, ordered the team closer to the stand. Nathaniel Maloney was charged with the same 7 crimes as Andre Street, including 1st Degree Murder and Attempted 1st Degree Murder. 

Sage Raeuber also appeared via video conference. Raeuber was indicted on 5 counts including 1st Degree Murder, Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Home Invasion.

All 3 pleaded “Not Guilty” and will appear in court on January 3rd at 10 A.M.


Erik Malmgren
Correspondent

Erik Malmgren was the Mail Correspondent covering the Mackinaw, Deer Creek and Heritage Lake communities from August 2021 until July 2022.