People v. Ratzke

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Lake County, defendant, Charles Ratzke, was convicted of first degree murder in connection with the death of Robert Snook. The trial court sentenced defendant to a term of natural-life imprisonment, finding that the murder was accompanied by exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty and that the aggravating factor set forth in section 9 — 1(b)(6) of the Criminal Code of 1961 (Criminal Code) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 9-l(b)(6) (now 720 ILCS 5/9-l(b)(6) (West 1992))) was present.

On appeal, defendant challenges…