People v. James

Defendant Pierre James was tried in a joint jury trial with codefendant Willie Bishop and was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment. On appeal, defendant contends: (1) the trial court erred in denying his request for a continuance to secure two alibi witnesses as well as an additional witness who would testify as to defendant’s hairstyle at the time of the crime; (2) the trial court erred in denying his request for a severance and in permitting codefendant’s tattoo to be introduced into evidence; (3) the trial court erred in admitting gang-related evidence;…