People v. Ford

Defendant was convicted of intentional homicide of an unborn child (the fetal homicide statute) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 9— 1.2) following a bench trial in Champaign County, Illinois. Defendant was found to have stomped or kicked the stomach of his 17-year-old stepdaughter who was 51/2 months pregnant, thereby causing the death of her unborn child. Defendant was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and he now appeals, contending (1) the fetal homicide statute violates the equal protection and due process clauses of the United States Constitution, and (2) the evidence was…