People v. Ursery

Following a jury trial, the defendant, Fernandez Ursery, was convicted of first-degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(1) (West 2002)) and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. On appeal, the defendant argues that he was denied a fair trial and the effective assistance of counsel. We affirm.

FACTS

On May 19, 2002, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Tynette Carpenter heard gunshots outside her home. When the police arrived, Tynette walked outside and saw her 48-year-old brother, Henry Carpenter, on the ground. Edward “Mickey” Watson, a neighbor, approached Tynette and consoled her.

Kevin Barnes, who lived a…