Defendant was convicted of one count of first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to a total of 71 years in prison. On direct appeal, defendant argued that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was the shooter because there was no confession or physical evidence linking him to the shooting. The defendant also argued that the trial court erred when it allowed the prosecution to introduce an allegedly excessive amount of evidence relating to gang-related crimes that the defendant was not involved in. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the evidence was sufficient when considering the testimony relating to opportunity, proximity, and motive The appellate court also held that while the evidence regarding gang activity was excessive, irrelevant, and prejudicial, reversal was not required because the result would have been the same without it. (C.A. WALKER and TAILOR, concurring)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Evidence