People v. Lavelle

Following a jury trial, defendant John Lavelle was convicted of felony murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(3) (West 2002)) and was sentenced to 60 years’ imprisonment. Defendant was also found to have personally discharged a firearm during the commission of the offense that proximately caused the victim’s death and was sentenced to an additional 40 years’ imprisonment (730 ILCS 5/5 — 8—l(a)(l)(d)(iii) (West 2004)). On appeal, defendant argues: (1) he was denied a fair trial when the State elicited evidence of the victim’s family and personal traits designed to arouse the emotions of the jury; (2)…