Defendant was convicted, after jury trial, of 3 counts of first degree murder. In physical altercation with another male, Defendant's uncle punched victim, causing victim to fall straight back, with his head striking the concrete. Defendant, then age 17, approached victim and tossed a cinder block onto victim's head. Postconviction counsel did not fail to provide reasonable representation by failing to conduct a search to find expert who would support Defendant's claims, to rebut testimony of State's expert physician who testified that cinder block, and not punch, caused victim's death. Section 5-130 of Juvenile Court Act, providing for automatic transfer to adult criminal court, does not violate 8th Amendment. (STEIGMANN and APPLETON, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel