People v. Rivera

A jury found Manuel Rivera guilty of first degree murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 9 — 1(a)(1)) and attempted first degree murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, pars. 8 — 4(a), 9 — 1). The trial judge sentenced him to concurrent terms of 50 years and 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. On appeal the defendant contends: (1) the court erred when it failed to excuse two jurors who were parties to lawsuits pending in the circuit court of Cook County; (2) the jury instructions incorrectly stated the elements of attempted murder; (3) prosecutorial misconduct in closing…