People v. Alexander

Following a jury trial, the defendant, David Alexander, was convicted of first degree murder for the stabbing death of Sylvester “Mike” Polnitz. 720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(2) (West 2006). The defendant claimed the stabbing was self-defense. Alternatively, the defendant presented a second-degree-murder theory based upon an unreasonable belief in the justified use of force. The jury rejected both theories and found the defendant guilty of first degree murder. On appeal, the defendant claims: (1) the trial court erred by failing to sua sponte give Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions, Criminal, No. 24 —…