People v. Thompson

Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Voir Dire
Citation
Case Number: 
2013 IL App (1st) 113105
Decision Date: 
Friday, September 27, 2013
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
Cook Co., 5th Div.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
GORDON
Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of first degree murder. Prosecutor did not make improper comment, and did not minimize State's burden of proof, in stating in argument that reasonable doubt could not be "crazy", or that it "isn't some mystical magical burden". Court did not err in permitting evidence that Defendant smoked marijuana just prior to shooting, as it was admissible as part of continuing narrative of evening and was intertwined with shooting. Court was properly cautious in voir dire and addressing possibility in questioning as to gang bias. Twenty-five-to-life firearm enhancement is not unconstitutionally vague. (McBRIDE and TAYLOR, concurring.)