Second Teen Charged in Fatal Push of Man From Moving CTA Train

Key points

• Katlar Parchman, 19, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and mob action on Sept. 19, 2026.
• Kyle Bickham, 29, died after being pushed from a CTA Red Line train near the 69th Street station on Sept. 7.
• A 15-year-old girl was previously charged with murder in the same incident.
• Two other male suspects remain unidentified and at large.
• Bickham’s family has raised over $18,000 for his funeral through a GoFundMe campaign.

Background

On Sept. 7, 2026, Kyle Bickham, 29, was riding a CTA Red Line train home from work when he became involved in an altercation with other passengers. He was pushed from the train near the 69th Street station in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. A 15-year-old girl was charged with first-degree murder on Sept. 12, and her detention hearing followed on Sept. 13. The family has been urging witnesses to come forward since the incident.

How outlets are covering it

Block Club Chicago and FOX 32 Chicago reported that Parchman was charged with five felony counts, including first-degree murder and mob action. The Chicago Tribune detailed prosecutors’ claims that Bickham spat on Parchman and another person, triggering the physical assault. ABC7 Chicago noted that Parchman’s public defender argued Bickham was intoxicated and touching riders’ belongings, and that there is no evidence Parchman was the one who pushed him. All outlets agree that two male suspects remain unidentified.

Why it matters

The case highlights safety concerns on public transit and the legal consequences of mob violence. It also underscores the ongoing investigation into the deaths of commuters and the role of surveillance footage in identifying suspects.

What to watch

Parchman is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 22 for a hearing. Investigators continue to search for the two unidentified male suspects. The family is still seeking eyewitnesses to help identify the remaining suspects.