People v. Ishmael

In a jury trial, defendant, Donald Ishmael, was found guilty of murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1981, ch. 38, par. 9 — 1(a)) and sentenced to a 20-year term of imprisonment. He raises the following issues on appeal: (1) whether the trial court erred in refusing defendant’s tendered involuntary manslaughter instruction; (2) whether the trial court erred in allowing the prosecutor to comment on defendant’s failure to cooperate with the State-appointed psychiatrist; and (3) whether the trial court erred in allowing the State to ask improper questions on cross-examination.

On May 31, 1982, defendant shot…