People v. Murry

Defendant appealed from his conviction for first-degree murder and accompanying 80-year prison sentence. Defendant argued on appeal that the trial court made several errors, including that the trial court erred when it allowed the State to use leading questions and a witness’ prior statements, in admitting autopsy photos, and in failing to properly admonish a potential juror. Defendant also argued that the trial court imposed an unduly long sentence on an improper basis. The appellate court reversed and remanded for re-sentencing, finding that the trial court improperly considered the victim’s death a second time when the court emphasized it during sentencing. (C.A. WALKER, concurring and TAILOR, concurring in part and dissenting in part)