People v. Castillo

Defendant was convicted of murder after jury trial. Court within its discretion in denying Defendant's request for jury instruction on involuntary manslaughter, given severity of victim's injuries, and that Defendant intentionally kicked victim in the head after professional boxer had punched victim in the head several times. Defendant's mental state was that required for murder, as he knew his acts created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm. Defendant failed to show denial of right to fair trial as a result of State's excessive use of his nickname of "Kill Bill." No plain error, as evidence was not closely balanced. (J. GORDON and HOWSE, concurring.)