(Court opinion modified 1/28/21.) Defendant, age 27 at time of offense, was convicted, after bench trial,of the 1st degree murder of his roommate, who was stabbed. No argument was made at trial or on appeal of self-defense or mutual combat, and there was no evidence of a 3rd person being involved. Thus, no merit to Defendant's argument that State failed to prove that victim's death was produced by a criminal agency. There was evidence establishing Defendant's presence at the scene, his knowledge of the offense, and evidence of Defendant's flight on 2 occasions. Neighbor testified about wrestling and screaming; and DNA evidence which court found was "damning". Circumstantial evidence was sufficient for a factfinder to find Defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. (LAMPKIN and REYES, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Murder