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

Cook County

OAK FOREST - Murder Trial Delayed, Again

The murder trial of Derek Grib, the man accused of killing 18-year-old Jimenez in 2009, has been postponed again. Judge Frank Zelezinski ruled Aug. 21 that the trial date will be set at a status hearing scheduled for Sept. 25. Grib is accused of fatally stabbing Jimenez, an Oak Forest High School graduate who had military aspirations, at a party in Oak Forest on July 12, 2009.

OAK LAWN - Man Charged With Animal Torture, Neglect Nearing Trial

Michael Peterson, 31, has one more status hearing set for Sept. 19 before he may get a trial date on animal torture and neglect charges stemming from a May 2011 incident where emaciated and fighting dogs were reportedly discovered at his home. Peterson has pleaded not guilty to six counts of felony animal torture and three felony counts of cruelty to animals.

ORLAND PARK - Sex Abuse Case Against Dementia Patient Delayed

An attorney for 57-year-old Robert Phelan, who stands accused of molesting a 93-year-old dementia patient, asked for a continuance date of Sept. 6. A judge was supposed to rule this week on whether the victim would be required to face Phelan in court.

PALOS - Hate Crime Case Delayed as Defense Investigates Key Witness for Prosecution

A Cook County judge granted more time for attorneys representing Mohammad Shaban of Hickory Hills and Akram Alshoweat of Oak Lawn to review charges leveled against a key witness in the prosecution's cases against them.

Alshoweat, 24, of Oak Lawn and Shaban, 37, of Hickory Hills are accused of attacking and robbing a woman they believed to be a lesbian on June 28, 2010, outside a restaurant, police said.

Attorneys said the two men have pleaded not guilty and claim they acted in self-defense. During a recent hearing, attorneys have asked for more time to review felony aggravated battery of a police officer charges against witness John Mitsis.

Will County

FRANKFORT — Report: Frankfort Doctor Sued for Fraud by Insurance Company

A Frankfort doctor is being sued by the parent company of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois for fraud, alleging she falsified the back-pain treatments she was providing, which cost the insurer more than $563,000, according to a report by Crain's Chicago Business.

On the Docket Next Week

MONDAY

Orland Park man accused of hijacking

TUESDAY
Chicago Heights man accused of killing live-in girlfriend
New Lenox man charged with aggravated criminal sex abuse for allegedly being involved with minors at Bremen High School

WEDNESDAY
Orland Park 'Ghost Rider' accused of mocking and fleeing from police officers

THURSDAY
Evergreen Park man accused of armed robbery
Mokena man accused of assaulting Tinley Park restaurant manager