People v. Harper

The defendant, Maurice Harper, was convicted of first-degree murder, after a bench trial in the circuit court of Jackson County. The defendant’s appeal raises issues of whether the trial court erred in striking the defendant’s motion to reconsider his posttrial motion. We reverse and remand.

The defendant and Daron Woods were both charged by information with the murder of Kenji Tipton. A public defender was appointed to represent the defendant. Before the trial, private counsel was substituted.

The defendant waived his right to a jury. On September 26, 2002, a one-day bench trial was held.…