None of the teens accepted responsibility for the initial blow that knocked Conroy to the ground or admitted delivering any fatal punches or kicks as he pleaded for help. They had gone after Conroy on a whim, police said, and were trying to do a "body drop," that is to knock him out with one blow.
Homicide Capt. Mike Costello said it remained a "senseless" crime that he could not explain. Police ruled out robbery as a motive because nothing was taken from Conroy.
News of the arrests was welcomed by Conroy's father, Steve, who said he desperately wanted to see those responsible apprehended.
"We wanted something to happen," he said. He had buried his son on Tuesday, days after the investigation appeared to have hit a standstill. "All of a sudden there is movement where there was no movement."
He said he would never make sense of his son's death.
Charged yesterday with murder and conspiracy were: Ameer Best, 17, of the 2000 block of North 24th Street; Arthur Alston, 16, of the 800 block of Fisher Avenue; Rasheem Bell, 16, of the 4700 block of Tampa Street; and Nashir Fisher, 16, of the 3500 block of North Marvine Street. The four will likely be arraigned today.
Last week, police arrested Gratz student Kinta Stanton, 16, of the 4900 block of North Smedley Street in Logan, as he was fleeing the scene. He also has been charged with murder and conspiracy.
Costello said there may be a sixth teenager involved. Detectives have not confirmed that or identified that person.
Detectives had identified the suspects last week but said they were keeping a close watch on them while trying to build a tight case.
"It's one thing to know, it's another thing to prove it," Costello said, detailing how authorities were chasing leads and confirming information before yesterday's sweep.
