Rittenhouse Prosecutors to Seek Additional, Lesser Charges as Their Case Seems to be Sinking

The Kyle Rittenhouse case reconvenes on Monday for closing arguments. This comes as the trial appears to be wrapping up. Much has been speculated about the prosecutors in this case. Some have said they are doing a horrible job. Others speculated as to whether or not they realized they might be “losing” their case and began making purposeful mistakes to try and get a mistrial.

The defense asked that because of that possibility, any mistrial be done such that Rittenhouse can’t be re-tried. There certainly seems to be the potential for that at this time.

Ultimately, it will be up to the jury to decide in the end. NPR reports that the prosecution signaled on Thursday they may seek to add newer, lesser charges, in hopes to at least get Rittenhouse on “something”.

“I think the request for lesser included charges reflects an acknowledgment that their case might not be as strong with regard to the original charges, and that at this point, they’re willing to give up the prospect of life imprisonment for the defendant in exchange for obtaining convictions on something,” Julius Kim, a Wisconsin-based defense attorney who is not involved in the case, told NPR.

Now, prosecutors say they plan to ask the judge to allow the jury to consider lesser versions of at least two of those charges: those related to the shootings of Huber and Grosskreutz.

The lesser charges could include reckless homicide rather than intentional, or second-degree, rather than first-degree.

Rittenhouse has pleaded not guilty on all counts. He testified personally on the stand, a move that many experts said was risky since he already appeared to have a good case. Nevertheless, many “experts” think he did a good job testifying and did not take any of the bait thrown at him by the prosecution.

It appears the prosecution may very well be in “take what they can get” mode now. Time will tell what happens next week. Some have speculated that if Rittenhouse “walks” there may be riots. Let’s hope not.