A former teacher from Cicero has plead not guilty to the murder of his brother-in-law, on the morning of July 4th.
55 year old James Ball, was indicted on murder charges for the death of Christopher Ross age 40. Ball is charged with shooting Ross, with a 22 caliber rifle during an alcohol fueled fight. The two were fighting when Ball's wife interceded, Ball allegedly then left, got the rifle, came back into the room and shot Ross four times. Ross was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
Ball was a 4th grade teacher at Smith Road Elementary school at the time, he has since retired.
Ball is free on a $150,000 cash bond. He will be back in court on March 2nd.There is a tentative trial date set for September 10th.