Teen's killers got only $30 for sneakers, judge told

BY STEFANO ESPOSITO
Staff Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times

They wanted Steve Terrett's $110 Nike Air Jordans so badly they were willing to kill him for them, prosecutors say.

But after Terrett's slaying in a South Side alley last week, one of his accused teen killers was willing to trade away the shoes for a girl's telephone number. In the end, Eduain Foster, 19, and Marshall Simmons, 15, settled for $30 for the shoes, prosecutors said in a Cook County courtroom Monday.

Foster and Simmons are charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.

Cook County Judge Raymond Myles ordered Simmons, the alleged shooter, to be held without bail. Myles set Foster's bail at $800,000.

A meeting is arranged
Foster and Simmons conspired with Simmons' 13-year-old girlfriend to rob Terrett, 17, authorities said, ''because he dressed well and they thought he might have money,'' Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Meg Blade told Myles.

Simmons' girlfriend phoned Terrett, and they made plans to meet in the 7200 block of South Perry. Prosecutors didn't explain how Terrett and the girl knew each other.

On March 28, Terrett and the girl met. She appeared to hug him, but was checking for weapons, Blade said. Foster and Simmons were hiding nearby, Blade said.

Foster dragged Terrett into a nearby alley, and Simmons, armed with a .22-caliber handgun, ordered Terrett to empty his pockets and remove his shoes, Blade said. Simmons then shot Terrett, Blade said.

Simmons, Foster and the girlfriend then left in a car driven by an unnamed female, Blade said.

Girl not expected to be charged
Later, in the 9000 block of South Racine, Foster offered a young woman the shoes for her phone number, Blade said. But Simmons interrupted the deal, saying he wanted to sell the shoes.

In the end, Foster sold the shoes to his own sister, Blade said.

Prosecutors say Foster, who lives in Minnesota but was reportedly visiting relatives in Chicago, has given a videotaped statement to police.

Simmons, of Calumet City, allegedly talked about the shooting to a man at the South Racine address, prosecutors say.

Despite the 13-year-old's alleged involvement, police said there are no plans to charge the girl.

"Pretty much, the case is closed," said Chicago Police Sgt. Robert Cargie. "There is no anticipation of additional charges."

Citing state laws about discussing juvenile cases, Cargie declined to elaborate.