People v. Collins

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Lake County, defendant, Jamel L. Collins, was convicted of first-degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(1) (West 2000)). Defendant was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment. He now appeals, challenging both his conviction and his sentence. Defendant raises four issues. First, he contends that he was prejudiced when a juror visited the crime scene during the trial. Second, he alleges error in the trial court’s decision to permit the introduction of certain hearsay testimony.. Third, he asserts that his trial was unfairly prejudicial because (a) the…