Faircloth v. Sternes

The petitioner, Edward Faircloth (the defendant), appeals from the June 30, 2005, order of the circuit court of Lee County denying his petition for habeas corpus relief. On appeal, the defendant challenges the constitutionality of the drug-induced-homicide statute (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 9 — 3.3(a) (now 720 ILCS 5/9 — 3.3(a) (West 2004))). We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

Between September 11 and 13, 1989, the defendant gave the victim, Sandra Parise, cocaine. Following a three-day cocaine binge with the defendant, the victim died from the adverse effects of the cocaine. On October 4, 1989,…