Defendant was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to concurrent six-year prison terms. Defendant argued on appeal that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he acted with the intent to kill and, alternatively, that the trial court erred in requiring shackles during trial. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the evidence of intent was not merely sufficient but “overwhelming” and that the jury was not required to find defendant’s self-serving statements regarding intent as credible. The appellate court further found that while the trial court committed error when it failed to follow the statutory process for using restraints during trial, it was harmless error because the evidence against the defendant was overwhelming. (JORGENSEN and BIRKETT, concurring)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Burden of Proof