People v. Stoecker

A jury convicted the defendant, Ronald L. Stoecker, of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(2) (West 1996)) and aggravated criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/12 — 14(a)(2) (West 1996)). The court sentenced the defendant to terms of imprisonment of natural life and 30 years, respectively. This court affirmed the defendant’s convictions on direct appeal. People v. Stoecker, No. 3—98—0750 (1999) (unpublished order under Supreme Court Rule 23). Thereafter, the defendant filed a petition for postconviction relief. This petition, which was amended four times either pro se or by counsel, was…