People v. Dunbar

Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of 1st degree murder and aggravated battery of a child as to the 4-month-old child of his girlfriend. Court failed to ask potential jurors whether they understood and accepted all 4 of the Rule 431(b) principles, which was clear error. Evidence was not closely balanced based on either alternative theory that he was a principal or a partner with infant's mother in the murder. No ineffective assistance of counsel, as even if defense counsel had moved to suppress statements made by investigating officer during interview with Defendant, the entire interview would have been admitted as relevant and probative. (SCHMIDT, concurring; CARTER, dissenting.)