Streator man charged with murder seeks pivotal witness in his defense

A Streator man charged with shooting three people, killing one, will stand trial for murder March 3.

Malcolm Whitfield, 31, also listed in DeKalb, appeared Friday in La Salle County Circuit Court. He was set for a jury trial later this month for the spring 2023 shooting of three people including Shaquita Kelly, who died from her gunshot injuries.

On Friday, however, Whitfield and Public Defender Ryan Hamer requested a continuance, and Whitfield agreed to continue waiving his right to a speedy trial. Hamer disclosed in open court that he wants additional time to seek and interview a witness whose testimony could be pivotal to Whitfield’s defense.

Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. agreed and ordered Whitfield to appear Feb. 28 for a final pretrial conference.

Whitfield, who faces a complicated sentencing range up to 145 years, remains held in the La Salle County Jail pending trial.