People v. Richmond

Based on the identifications of the defendant by the victim and his companion, Franklin Richmond was convicted by a jury of attempt murder and armed robbery. But the defense was not allowed to ask the companion in the presence of the jury if she had been aware of outstanding arrest warrants against her when she agreed to give her statement to police. Because the cross-examination of a State’s witness concerning her possible bias, interest or motive to testify falsely was restricted, the case must be sent back for a new trial.

The offense took place on the evening of December 30, 1975, in the…