People v. Emerson

The defendant, Dennis Emerson, appeals from an order of the circuit court of Cook County, dismissing, without an evidentiary hearing, his petition for post-conviction relief. Because the defendant was sentenced to death, the present appeal lies directly to this court. (134 Ill. 2d R. 651(a).) We affirm the judgment of the circuit court.

The defendant’s convictions stem from his participation in the armed robbery and murder of Delinda Byrd, and the armed robbery and attempted murder of Robert Ray. The incriminating evidence against the defendant was largely provided by Robert Ray, co-owner and…