Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois man accused of fatally shooting two people during an August 25 protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has reportedly fired an attorney who helped raise his $2 million bail.
FreeKyleUSA tweeted Thursday that John Pierce is no longer representing Rittenhouse, 18. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the California-based lawyer was initially Rittenhouse’s leading defense attorney, but he withdrew his application to practice in Wisconsin for the accused killer’s case.
As donations came in for Rittenhouse, Pierce used some of the money to hire attorneys in Illinois who would contest the teen’s extradition to Wisconsin, according to the news outlet.
John Pierce freed Kyle. John Pierce fought with every fiber of his being for Kyle. John Pierce wants nothing but for Kyle to be acquitted and live a healthy, happy life. John Pierce is ferociously loyal to all of his clients, including all former clients. Mission accomplished. https://t.co/5c904wPMN1
— John Pierce (@CaliKidJMP) February 4, 2021
Rittenhouse is charged with intentional homicide, attempted homicide, reckless homicide, recklessly endangering safety, and possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, for allegedly fatally shooting two people during an August 25 shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The teen is also accused of shooting a third person who survived. At the time of the deadly shooting, demonstrators were protesting the officer-related shooting of Jacob Blake.
Rittenhouse, then 17, allegedly used an AR-15-style to carry out the deadly shooting. Rittenhouse claimed while at the protest, he was hit in the head and neck with a baseball bat and skateboard. While medics reportedly observed superficial scratches on his arm, they did not see any bruising or cuts.
Rittenhouse surrendered to police in Antioch, Illinois, a day after the deadly shooting.
In October, a judge ordered Rittenhouse’s extradition to Wisconsin. He was released from custody in late November after posting a $2 million bond.
Days before his release, Rittenhouse’s friend, Dominick Black, 19, was charged with purchasing the gun used in the shooting for him. Black allegedly also confessed to driving Rittenhouse back to Antioch, Illinois, after the shootings with the AR-15-style weapon in the trunk of his car.
This week, prosecutors requested another $200,000 be added to Rittenhouse’s bail, alleging he moved and failed to notify the court within 48 hours.
Rittenhouse’s trial is scheduled to begin on March 29.
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[Featured image: Kyle Rittenhouse/Antioch Police Department]
