People v. Gerecke

Mr. PRESIDING JUSTICE CRAVEN

delivered the opinion of the court:

On April 11, 1975, defendant Larry Gerecke was found guilty by a Morgan County jury for the murder of Charles “Booky” Howell and attempt (murder) of Elva Gerecke Cockerham, defendant’s former wife. Defendant was sentenced to concurrent terms of 75 to 100 years for murder and 50 to 100 years for attempt (murder).

Testimony at trial disclosed that defendant went to the South Side Tavern in Meredosia, Illinois, at about 11:15 p.m. on November 7,1974. He had two mixed drinks while talking to the bartender. Defendant’s ex-wife arrived,…