People v. Lofthouse

Early on the morning of November 10, 1973, John Lofthouse, defendant, fired shots which killed Manuel Ramirez and injured Edson Montanez while they were seated in a car with Miguel Mendez and Josea Lopez. Defendant was charged with the murder of Ramirez, aggravated battery as to Montanez, and attempt to commit murder as to Mendez and Lopez. Following a bench trial defendant was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery and for those respective crimes was sentenced to concurrent terms of six to 18 years and three to 10 years. On appeal defendant contends: (1) the State did not…