Smith v. Williams

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

Elaine E.'Bueklo, United States District Judge

Michael Smith (“Smith”), an Illinois prisoner who was convicted of first degree murder in October 2007, has filed a pro se habeas petition asserting five claims. Respondent argues that Smith has procedurally defaulted four of his claims and that his fifth claim, which challenges the admission of “other crimes” evidence under Illinois Rule of Evidence 404(b), is not cognizable on federal habeas review. For the reasons stated below, I agree with Respondent and deny Smith’s habeas petition.

I

In June 2004, Christopher Ward…