Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Juvenile Sentencing
Defendant, age 16 at time of offenses, was convicted, after jury trial, of 2 counts of 1st degree murder and sentenced to natural life. Court later conducted a new sentencing hearing to consider the characteristics of youth as required by 2012 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miller v. Alabama, and sentenced him to 60 years, which is a de facto life sentence. Nothing in record supports a finding that Defendant's conduct reflected irreparable corruption beyond the possibility of rehabilitation, but indicated that Defendant was capable of rehabilitation. Court's focus on deterrence is incongruous with Miller's concerns as to sentencing of juvenile defendants. Remanded for new sentencing hearing. (MIKVA and CUNNINGHAM, concurring.)