Grand jury indicted Defendant for 1st degree murder of his ex-wife. Prior to trial, court conducted hearing at which witnesses testified. Court granted States motion in limine in part, ruling that only 1 of States witnesses could testify as to a prior identification. Court then conducted hearing at which several witnesses testified on issue of forfeiture by wrongdoing. Court issued a written order finding Defendant killed his ex-wife with the intention of preventing her from testifying, and deemed only 2 of the statements proposed by the State admissible pursuant to forfeiture by wrongdoing doctrine. Court did not improperly limit testimony of any witness. Court properly excluded statements made during original divorce proceedings, as they were made over 2 years prior to death. (HOLDER WHITE and KNECHT, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Murder