Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Jury Instructions
Defendant was convicted of first degree murder, armed robbery, and residential burglary, after jury trial. Court erred by denying Defendant's request to provide jury with separate instructions and verdict forms for felony murder. Defendant was charged with two counts of felony murder, based on two different predicate felonies; thus, general verdict form did not provide specificity necessary for the court to sentence Defendant properly, as the sentencing consequences are different for each theory. Court properly sentenced Defendant to natural life imprisonment, as even though other persons were also involved, the Defendant fully participated in the events that led to victim's death. Court did not err in refusing to give modified IPI 1.02 as to admitted drug addiction of one of State's witnesses, as evidence of witness' drug use was before the jury, and she was subject to cross-examination. (QUINN and MURPHY, concurring.)