KENOSHA, WI (WSAU) — The homicide trial of Kyle Rittenhouse is set to begin today in Kenosha County.
Rittenhouse, now 18, is facing weapons charges along with two counts of homicide for killing two people during a night of unrest in Kenosha after the police shooting of Jacob Blake. He’s also accused of wounding a third person. All told he is up against six felonies and one misdemeanor.
Proceedings will begin with jury selection on Monday. The case is expected to be closely watched nationally, as gun rights supporters say the case shows the need to defend property from protest damage. His supporters include the extremist group the Proud Boys, who he’s been seen photographed with in the months since his bail was posted.
Rittenhouse had maintained an address in Antioch, Illinois but his current address is not publicly known. His family says that’s because they have had to move due to numerous threats. Back in February, a judge denied a request to arrest Rittenhouse and increase his bond because the court did not have a current address for him. The judge denied that request because Rittenhouse has not missed a court date but did agree to take a Post Office box where he’s receiving mail and sealed it.
He has pled not guilty by self-defense in the case. He’s been free on $2 million bail that was crowdfunded by supporters. The judge has blocked off two weeks for the trial. If convicted he could face life in prison.
