Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of first degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery with a firearm. Defense counsel did not carry burden of establishing prima facie case of purposeful discrimination in jury selection as required by Batson. Defense counsel's cross-examination of key eyewitness to shooting was not unfairly limited because court reversed its ruling to allow questions about an earlier shooting on the same day and same location. State proved beyond a reasonable doubt by credible eyewitnesses that Defendant was one of the shooters. The few inconsistencies in eyewitnesses' accounts, individually and together, do not usurp jury's role in resolving questions of fact and credibility of witnesses. (PIERCE and NEVILLE, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Jury Selection