People v. Croom

Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of first degree murder of three-year-old by striking him in abdomen. Defendant, age 16 at time of incident, was not denied substantive due process when he was automatically transferred to adult court pursuant to automatic transfer of Juvenile Court Act. Knowing and voluntary nature of Defendant's statement to police was not diminished by finding of unfitness, based on opinion that Defendant was unable to assist in his defense at time of trial, many months after statement was made. (TURNER and COOK, concurring.)