People v. Nichols

PRESIDING JUSTICE HARTMAN

delivered the opinion of the court:

Defendant appeals his conviction by a jury of murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, pars. 9 — 1(a)(1), 9 — 1(a)(2)), and attempted murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, pars. 8 — 4, 9 — 1). He questions whether (1) the court erred in admitting evidence and extensive State comment regarding his gang affiliation and involvement, and the prevalence of gangs in the area of the occurrence; (2) he was denied his right to due process and a fair trial when the State elicited testimony and commented during closing arguments regarding the…