People v. Howard

Following a jury trial, defendant was convicted of the murder of William Young in violation of section 9 — 1 of the Criminal Code (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1973, ch. 38, par. 9 — 1) and was sentenced to 150 to 200 years in the penitentiary. On appeal, he contends that the trial court erred when it: (1) denied his motions to dismiss and to sever; (2) found that he had been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; (3) restricted his cross-examination; (4) admitted evidence concerning the death of one of the witnesses; and (5) allowed the State to make improper remarks during opening and closing…