People v. Nielson

Defendant, Niels Nielson, was charged by indictment with six counts of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9—1(a)(1), (a)(2) (West 1996)) and two counts of concealing a homicidal death (720 ILCS 5/9—3.1(a) (West 1996)). A jury convicted defendant of two of the first degree murder counts and both concealment counts. The same jury sentenced defendant to death, and the circuit court of Wayne County imposed two extended 10-year prison terms for the concealment convictions. Defendant’s execution has been stayed pending direct review by this court. Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, § 4(b); 134 Ill. 2d Rs.…