The Southland's major criminal and civil cases heard in Cook County courts this week.

Cook County

CHICAGO HEIGHTS: Man Accused of Murdering Girlfriend Pleads Not Guilty

George Kleopa, 33, pleaded not guilty to six counts of felony murder, Tuesday in the March shooting death of 30-year-old Michele Peters. Cook County prosecutors say Kleopa fatally shot Michele Peters, 30, in the Chicago Heights home they shared with their two young sons in the early morning hours of March 6.

He is scheduled to be back in court on Oct. 4.

EVERGREEN PARK: Armed Robbery Suspect Gets Another Continuance

Marcus Parker, 23, of Evergreen Park remains in custody for an alleged robbery spree last December. He appeared in a Skokie courtroom on Aug. 30 and is scheduled to return to court Sept. 6.

NEW LENOX:  New Lenox Man Accused of Fondling Former Students Pre-Trial Continues

Ross Larson, 26, is set to be back in a Markham courtroom Oct. 9 as the pre-trial phase continues in his criminal sex abuse trial. Larson, of 800 block of Western Avenue in New Lenox, was charged in January 2011 with indecent solicitation and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

ORLAND PARK: Accused Carjacker Remains in Jail, Arraignment Set

Peter Sousan, 24, accused of fracturing an 88-year-old woman's leg as he kicked her and stole her car will be arraigned on Sept. 13.

ORLAND PARK: 'Ghost Rider' Has Status Hearing

Justin Jachimiec, the Orland Park "Ghost Rider" accused of mocking and fleeing from police officers, had a status hearing and is set to be back in a Bridgeview courtroom on Oct. 4.

PALOS: Defense in Hate Crime Case Submit Evidence Against State's Key Witness

Facing trial on hate crime and robbery charges, Akram Alshoweat, 24, of Oak Lawn and Mohammed Shaban, 37, of Hickory Hills will have to wait until next month to find out if a Cook County judge will allow a jury to hear evidence against the prosecution's key witness.

The two are accused of attacking and robbing a woman they believed to be a lesbian on June 28, 2010, outside a restaurant.

TINLEY PARK: Defense in Outriggers Assault Case Files 'Material' Against Victim

Attorneys for Donovan Campbell, 42, the Mokena man accused of assaulting a Tinley Park restaurant manager and breaking his ribs, has filed a motion to include information about the victim in Campbell's trial. Campbell is claiming self defense for his role in the incident.

On the Docket Next Week

TUESDAY
Orland Park man accused of criminal sexual assault of a child

WEDNESDAY
Homeless man in Orland Park charged with sexual assault

THURSDAY
Evergeen Park man charged in armed robbery spree
Orland Park man accused of molesting 93-year-old dementia patient

FRIDAY
Oak Lawn doctor facing sex abuse charges for fondling patients