People v. Beathea

Mattie Louise Beathea, defendant, was found guilty after a bench trial of the crime of voluntary manslaughter in violation of section 9 — 2 (a) of the Criminal Code (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1971, ch. 38, par. 9 — 2(a)). She was sentenced to a term of 1 to 3 years. Defendant appeals, arguing (1) that the evidence was insufficient to establish her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; (2) that the preliminary hearing testimony of Emily Turner, who had died prior to trial, was improperly admitted at trial; (3) that she did not knowingly and understandingly waive her right to a trial by jury; and (4) that she…