Two charged in slaying of Chicago honor student

Authorities say they've filed murder charges against two gang members in the death of a 15-year-old honor student who was fatally shot last month near the Chicago home of President Barack Obama.

Chicago police spokeswoman Melissa Stratton said 18-year-old Michael Ward and 20-year-old Kenneth Williams were charged yesterday with first-degree murder in connection to the death of Hadiya Pendleton.

Both men also are charged with two counts of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

Police say Pendleton was talking with friends in a Chicago park when one suspect ran toward the group, opened fire and then fled in a car.

The Jan 29 shooting made national headlines because Pendleton had recently returned from Washington, where she'd performed during inauguration festivities with her high school band.