People v. Brownell

In a five-count indictment the defendant, Curtis J. Brownell, was charged with the murder, aggravated kidnapping and rape of Louise M. Betts. Count I charged that the defendant “committed the offense of murder, in that he, without lawful justification and with the intent to kill Louise M. Betts, strangled” her and thereby caused her death. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 38, par. 9 — 1(a)(1).) Count II charged that the defendant committed murder by strangling Louise M. Betts, knowing that “such act created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.” (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 38, par. 9 —…