People v. Avery

Following a bench trial in the circuit court of Cook County, defendant Jesse Avery was found guilty of aggravated arson and two counts of murder in connection with a fire which occurred at 4109 West Madison Street on August 8, 1986. Defendant was sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment. Defendant now appeals, arguing that: (1) the trial court improperly admitted evidence concerning other crimes; (2) the trial court improperly admitted evidence of polygraph examinations taken by defendant and a witness; (3) the trial court conducted an investigation outside the record developed at trial; and (4)…