People v. Bashaw

Following a jury trial in April 1997, defendant, Clarence Thomas Bashaw, was found guilty of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9—1(a)(2) (West 1996)). The offense was alleged to have occurred on or about October 11, 1995. Defendant’s posttrial motions were denied. Following a hearing in September 1997, the circuit court sentenced the 21-year-old defendant to 60 years’ imprisonment, the maximum nonextended term (see 730 ILCS 5/5—5—3.2(b)(4), 5—8—2(1) (West 1996) (providing for extended term of up to 100 years)). The court considered the young age of the victim as an aggravating factor but chose…