People v. Watkins

In a stipulated bench trial, the defendant, Coty E. Watkins, was found guilty of reckless discharge of a firearm (720 ILCS 5/24—1.5 (West 2002)) and possession of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card (430 ILCS 65/2 (West 2002)). He was sentenced to 18 months of conditional discharge. On appeal, the defendant argues that the State failed to prove the elements of reckless discharge of a firearm beyond a reasonable doubt. We affirm.

BACKGROUND

At trial, the parties stipulated to the statements in several documents. The defendant’s neighbor, Roger Shults, said in his…