People v. Ruiz

On May 24, 2000, following a jury trial, the defendant, Israel Ruiz, was convicted of first-degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(2) (West 1998)) and aggravated discharge of a firearm (720 ILCS 5/24 — 1.2(a)(2) (West 1998)). The defendant was sentenced to concurrent terms of 40 and 15 years in prison, respectively. Pursuant to section 3 — 6— 3(a)(2)(i) of the Unified Code of Corrections (Truth in Sentencing Act) (730 ILCS 5/3 — 6—3(a)(2)(i) (West 1998)), the defendant is required to serve 100% of the first-degree murder sentence.

On appeal, the defendant raises four issues: (1) whether the trial…