People v. Williams

Defendant was found guilty of first degree murder and armed robbery and sentenced to a total prison term of 76 years. On direct appeal, defendant argued that the trial court erred in granting the State’s request for an extension of the speedy trial term, that the trial court improperly allowed hearsay evidence and evidence of other crimes, and that the prosecutor improperly relied on that evidence in closing as evidence of defendant’s guilt. The appellate court reversed and remanded, finding that the trial court abused its discretion in the admission of other crimes and hearsay evidence and that the evidence was not so overwhelming as to render the error harmless. (HOWSE and COBBS, concurring)