People v. Bowman

Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of aggravated battery of a child and aggravated battery with a firearm, in shooting of 10-year-old girl. Defendant failed to request sidebar to discuss admissibility of evidence or to make offer of proof as to his claim of self-defense in attempting to shoot a different person who had previously threatened to harm him. Court properly denied testimony and remarks in closing argument as to intended victim’s reputation for violence, given lack of foundation or offer of proof. Any error in denying request that defense witness be allowed to change from prison attire when testifying was harmless, given overwhelming evidence of Defendant’s guilt. (J. GORDON and HOWSE, concurring.)