Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of attempted murder. Defendant testified that he acted in self-defense, but victim testified that the shooting was unprovoked. Surveillance video admitted into evidence shows Defendant shoot victim in the back of the head from inches away and seconds after victim turned around from a conversation with him. Evidence was sufficient to find Defendant had the specific intent to kill victim when he shot him. Defendant made a challenge to State's use of peremptory strikes during jury selection under U.S. Supreme Court's 1986 Batson v. Kentucky decision. State used all 3 of its peremptory strikes against Black venire members, and race was the sole common characteristic among these 3 persons. Court's decision that Defendant failed to make a prima facie case of racial discrimination was against manifest weight of evidence. (WALKER and PIERCE, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Jury Selection