People v. Jones

Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of first-degree murder based on fatal traffic accident that occurred when he and co-defendant fled from residential burglary.  DNA evidence, and other circumstantial evidence linking Defendant to car used in burglary, support verdict. Defendant was not entitled to additional language in jury instruction to state that Defendant could be found responsible only if death occurred before he reached a place of safety. Sentence of 42 years not excessive, given nature of crime and Defendant’s criminal history.  Court considered mitigating factors of his parents’ incarcerations and physical abuse he suffered when young.  (PIERCE and NEVILLE, concurring.)