Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of 2 counts of 1st degree murder. Court should have granted Defendant's request for fees so that he could hire expert to analyze cell phone records prosecution used at trial. Cell phone records formed a critical part of evidence against Defendant. Defense needed an expert to educate defense counsel about technicalities of the field and to assist with preparation of effective cross-examination, and lack of expert prejudiced Defendant. State sufficiently showed that in 36 hours of detention, Defendant voluntarily answered questions about his acts around time that a fire started in a building inhabited by members of rival gang. Court properly denied Defendant's motion to suppress statements he made to police. (HYMAN, concurring; MASON, concurring in part and dissenting in part.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Expert Witnesses