People v. Benedik

After a jury trial in the circuit court of Lake County the defendant, William Benedik, was found guilty of the murder of Karl Kresmery and Lynn Kelly. Upon recommendation of the jury, the trial judge imposed the death penalty. The defendant has appealed directly to this court. 50 Ill.2d R. 603.

For approximately seven years the defendant had been having an affair with Lynn Kelly. Shortly before the occurrence in question she had terminated the relationship and began dating Karl Kresmery. On the night of September 15, 1971, Miss Kelly and Kresmery were celebrating the latter’s birthday at a…