People v. Hayes

A Kankakee County jury found defendant Kendric L. Hayes, also known as James D. Vance, guilty of two counts each of attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm (720 ILCS 5/8 — 4, 9 — 1(a)(1); 12 — 3, 12 — 4.2(a)(1) (West 2000)). Defendant appeals. He contends that (1) the State’s evidence was insufficient to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of one count each of the charged offenses; (2) the trial court denied him his right to present a defense; and (3) the prosecutors’ closing arguments deprived him of a fair trial. We affirm.

FACTS

The State’s evidence…