People v. Rutledge

The defendant, Steven L. Rutledge, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to a 70-year term of imprisonment. The defendant appeals his conviction. We affirm.

The defendant was charged with first degree murder and felony murder. The State alleged he intentionally strangled Margaret Ellis to death without lawful justification while committing a robbery. It was believed the defendant could be eligible for the death penalty if convicted of felony murder.

The defendant entered a partially negotiated plea to first degree murder in exchange for the State’s dismissal of the felony murder…