Felon Charged in 9-Year-Old’s Train Station Death Released from Jail Ahead of Trial
A Chicago man with a felony record faces involuntary manslaughter charges after 9-year-old Elijah Flores died following an Aug. 10 train station attack. Michael Korosa, 52, was released from jail Monday while awaiting trial, despite being charged with felony involuntary manslaughter. The incident unfolded when Soria, Flores’ caretaker, attempted to rob a man and dragged the child into the chaos, resulting in Flores’ fatal fall during the escape.
The details of the incident reveal that Soria, who was dating Flores’ mother, was in the process of an attempted robbery when he pulled Flores onto the train platform. The child followed the suspects during their escape, and after a struggle on a flight of stairs, Korosa allegedly hit Soria with a cane, causing both Soria and Flores to fall. Flores hit his head on the pavement, and Soria landed on top of him. Subsequently, Soria took Flores to another train where the child became unresponsive, leading to his hospitalization and eventual death.
Korosa, who had a history of prior convictions, including a 2020 incident involving a box cutter, was arrested on Aug. 30. However, he was released from custody on Monday while awaiting trial. Soria, who has not been charged in connection with Flores’ death, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for unrelated offenses. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the incident, warning that he would intervene to reduce crime in Chicago, highlighting the city’s ongoing safety concerns.
The case has raised questions about accountability and the role of individuals in ensuring the safety of vulnerable children. The incident has also sparked discussions about the broader criminal justice system’s handling of cases involving minors and the responsibilities of caregivers. Legal experts are now closely monitoring the developments, as the case could set important precedents in criminal and juvenile justice practices.