Baseball Bat Beating Trial Begins

Three and half years later, the Bucktown beating case of 2010 is back in court as victims' family and friends seek answers.

The mother and friend of Natasha McShane, a Northern Ireland exchange student who was brutally beaten with a baseball bat beneath a Bucktown viaduct at 1800 N. Damen Ave. in 2010, are likely to take the stand today in the trial of Heriberto Viramontes, the alleged attacker, according to Chicago Tribune.

Sheila McShane will testify for her daughter, Natasha McShane, who suffered serious injuries that have left her unable to walk or speak more than a few words. Stacy Jurich, McShane’s friend who was also beaten but suffered less impactful injuries, is expected to testify as well, according to DNAinfo.

Viramontes and Marcy Cruz, his girlfriend who allegedly waited in a car during the beating to allow Viramontes a quick getaway, were charged for the beating of McShane and Jurich in April 2010, according to NBC Chicago.

Cruz is likely to testify against Virmontes, and pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder in July, DNAinfo reports.

Liam McShane, Natasha McShane’s father, told the Chicago Tribune that the family has not told Natasha about the trial.

"No, no. We wouldn't say that to her, in case it brings back memories," Liam McShane told the Tribune. "Maybe someday if she can get better, she'll have to know. But I don't feel that I have to tell her now."