People v. Rainone

Following a trial by jury, defendant, Louis Rainone, was convicted of murder and was sentenced to a term of 40 years. Defendant appeals, contending that he was denied a fair trial due to improper reference to the victim’s family; improper limitation of cross-examination; and improper prosecutorial comment during its closing statement. Defendant further contends that the sentence imposed was excessive.

On June 8, 1984, Roman Rys was standing on a street comer with his girlfriend when defendant and codefendant, Gustavo Bujdud, approached the comer, each carrying a weapon. Defendant and Bujdud…