People v. Chandler

The defendant, Mark Chandler, was convicted in a jury trial in the circuit court of Sangamon County of murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 9 — 1), residential burglary (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 19 — 3), and arson (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 20 — 1). Defendant waived his right to a jury at the sentencing hearing, and the trial judge found him eligible for the death penalty and imposed the death sentence for the murder conviction. Defendant’s execution was stayed pending direct review by this court. Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, §4(b); 107 Ill. 2d Rules 603, 609(a).

Defendan…