People v. Wheeler

A jury found defendant, Derrick Wheeler, guilty of first degree murder. Thereafter, the circuit court sentenced defendant to a term of 34 years in the Department of.Corrections. Defendant appeals, arguing that: (1) he was not proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; and (2) he was deprived a fair trial due to counsel’s failure to tender a jury instruction regarding testimony of an accomplice. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

BACKGROUND

On September 10, 1997, defendant was charged in a two-count indictment with first degree murder. 720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(1), (a)(2) (West 1996). A jury found…