The preliminary hearings involving the death of Luis Noriega began Tuesday morning.

Plainfield native Emily Hobbs who is accused of four counts of aggravated battery in connection with the crime, had a status review hearing at the DeKalb County Courthouse Tuesday.

Her attorney, Mr. Peter Gruber, announced that he believed the defense was finished with its discovery.

Discovery, part of the pre-trial procedure, is the process in which the prosecution and the defense acquire evidence and information by issuing subpoenas or depositions. It also includes the sharing of evidence and information between the two parties.

Discussed in the hearing were the subpoenas issued to the DeKalb Police Department and the Kishwaukee Medical Center.

There was a discrepancy with the Kishwaukee Medical subpoena, which neither the court nor the assistant state’s attorney, Mr. Joseph Cullen, had any information.

Gruber agreed to address the issue of the missing subpoenas.

Gruber requested a final status hearing for Tuesday, Oct. 30, which was granted by Judge Robbin Stuckert. During this hearing, the defense will either plead guilty or innocent and proceed to set a trial date.


Background:
Police arrested four suspects in late April in connection with the April 15 death of Luis Noriega.
Noriega died after being beaten outside of Reilly’s Bar & Eatery, 1215 Blackhawk Road.


Suspects and charges:
Emily Hobbs of Plainfield
Four counts of aggravated battery

Fred Jakob of Lockport
Four counts of aggravated battery

Christopher Tadder of Lockport
Four counts of aggravated battery

Nathan Schrank of Lockport
Two counts of first degree murder
One count of involuntary manslaughter
Four counts of aggravated battery

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