DECATUR - Four counts of first-degree murder were filed Thursday in Macon County Circuit Court against Kenneth J. Harris, 23, and Quinten C. Young, 15, in the shooting death of Vinson Banks about 10:50 p.m. Tuesday.

Harris also is charged with the Class X offense of being an armed habitual criminal. He has had four felony convictions that resulted in sentences to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Banks was shot after an argument in the 600 block of West Cushing Street escalated to a physical fight between Young and four adult males. Young allegedly used a cell phone to call Harris, who is his uncle, and he arrived moments later.

Banks wound up sitting in the driver's seat of Harris' car, which is where he was when Harris shot him, witnesses told police. Banks died of massive internal bleeding after one of the shots pierced his heart.

Young, a juvenile who is being held in the Sangamon County Detention Center in Springfield, appeared Thursday before Associate Judge Lisa Holder White for a detention hearing.

Assistant State's Attorney Charles Lukis said state law provides the definition of a delinquent minor does not apply to anyone who is at least age 15 and who is charged with first-degree murder.

White reviewed a sworn statement by a police officer in the murder case and said she found probable cause for Young's arrest.

On the issue of setting his bond, his mother, Latasha Young, testified she recently lost her job and is dependent on unemployment benefits for support. She said Quinten's father lives in Chicago, and although he has an order for child support entered against him, he does not pay that support.

Latasha Young said her son is a student at MacArthur High School and "is barely passing." She said he does go to school.

Assistant Public Defender Tom Wheeler told White that while Quinten Young could be detained based on the police officer's sworn statement, the boy did not necessarily know about Harris having a gun and did not participate in shooting Banks.

White followed Lukis' recommendation and set the teenager's bond at $500,000, the same amount under which Harris is held.

She set Quinten's arraignment on the murder charges for May 15.

Harris also appeared in court Thursday for his arraignment. Associate Judge James Coryell found Harris was indigent and appointed the public defender as his counsel. He set a preliminary hearing on the charges for May 21.

Ron Ingram can be reached at ringram@herald-review.com or 421-7973.