The PEOPLE v. Odum

Defendant, Joseph Odum, was found guilty of murder by a jury in the criminal court of Cook County and sentenced to a term of 35 years in the penitentiary. He brings writ of error contending that testimony of police officers was erroneously admitted as to a dying declaration of the decedent, Walter Pennegar; that evidence of another crime was improperly admitted; and that he was not found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Prior to the trial, the judge conducted a lengthy preliminary hearing on the question of whether a statement made by the decedent, Pennegar, to police officers could be…