People v. Ramsey

Defendant, age 18 at time of offense, pled guilty, upon second trial, to intentional and felony murders of two minor victims, attempted murders of three minor victims, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and home invasion. Jury found him eligible for death penalty; court sentenced him to death and imposed 60 years imprisonment on other convictions. Although prosecutor had, prior to first trial, stated that death penalty would not be sought if Defendant pled guilty, the new prosecutor later decided to seek the death penalty even if Defendant pled guilty. Original offer had expired, and the later decision by prosecutor to seek death penalty did not deny Defendant due process. No error in defense counsel not being members of Capital Litigation Trial Bar, as the 2002 rule requiring such membership for counsel in capital cases took effect after their representation began. (FITZGERALD, FREEMAN, THOMAS, KILBRIDE, KARMEIER, and BURKE, concurring.)