A Cook County Circuit judge on Thursday ruled that prosecutors had probable cause to charge a 24-year-old man in connection with the July 4 beating and stabbing in Boystown that was caught on camera and posted online.
Wearing a beige Department of Corrections jumpsuit, Daren Hayes of Hammond, Ind. watched as a Chicago Police detective testified before the court that the 25-year-old victim picked Hayes out of a police lineup.
Hayes faces felony counts of aggravated battery with use of a deadly weapon, aggravated battery in a public place, aggravated battery with great bodily harm and felony mob action.
“He's scared that these accusations have been leveled against him,” said attorney Mike Bianucci, who is representing Hayes. “He’s not a violent person, he has no background.”
Detectives claim the viral YouTube video showing a mob of people kicking and punching the male victim was a key piece of evidence that gave them clear information as to who was involved in the attack, including Hayes.
But Hayes’ attorney was quick to poke holes at the video evidence in court.
“From what I can tell, I haven’t seen my client on this video,” Bianucci said, also noting there also doesn’t appear to be a knife anywhere in the two-minute video. “I don’t know exactly what they plan to prove with the video.”
The detective testified that he was able to identify Hayes in the video but couldn’t tell from the camera angel if he was holding a knife.
Bianucci confirmed that Hayes turned himself in to authorities once he learned that the brawl was under investigation. Police have said Hayes is cooperating with detectives in their investigation. They hope his information, and continued review of the YouTube clip, will help them track down more suspects.
