People v. Van Winkle

Following a shooting incident at a tavern, defendant Jerry Van Winkle was charged by information with armed violence, attempt murder, and aggravated battery. After a jury trial he was convicted of those offenses and of battery and was sentenced on the armed violence conviction to a determinate term of imprisonment of 6 years.

At trial the State’s evidence established that on March 16, 1979, sometime after 11 p.m., defendant entered Ann’s Tavern in Kewanee accompanied by a small boy. He asked the boy, “Do you see him here?” or “Is that him?” The boy pointed at Timothy Melchouri and replied,…