People v. Benford

Following a jury trial, defendant, Reginald Benford, was convicted of first degree murder for the shooting death of fellow gang member Davon Cook. Defendant was sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment. On appeal, defendant questions whether: (1) he was denied effective assistance of counsel; (2) the circuit court considered the murder itself as an aggravating factor in sentencing; (3) his 40-year sentence is excessive; and (4) he was admonished properly.

Prior to trial, defense counsel informed the circuit court that he would be filing a motion to suppress defendant’s inculpatory statement based…