People v. Pecoraro

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Cook County, defendant, John Pecoraro, was found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to death. Defendant’s execution was stayed pending direct review by this court (Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, §4(b); 134 Ill. 2d Rules 603, 609(a)). We affirm.

FACTS

The State presented the following evidence. On August 6, 1986, at approximately 9 a.m., Chicago Police Officer Jeffrey Becker was driving in a marked police squad car when defendant, John Pecoraro, flagged down Officer Becker’s car. Officer Becker stopped his vehicle and defendant approached the car.…