Defendant was charged with numerous offenses, including felony murder, after the car he was driving crashing into another vehicle, killing its occupant. Later, State amended felony murder charge to knowing murder and added a count of reckless homicide. Defendant was convicted, after bench trial, of reckless homicide, and was found not guilty on all other charges. Defendant's speedy trial rights were not violated by addition of knowing murder and reckless homicide charge. The later indictment gave Defendant notice that State would proceed under knowing theory of murder instead of felony murder theory. The reckless homicide count was not "new and additional". Evidence at trial was sufficient for finder of fact to conclude Defendant knew he was fleeing from the Chicago police. (CUNNINGHAM and CONNORS, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Reckless Homicide