People v. Newell

Following a jury trial, defendant Arthur Newell was convicted of felony murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 9—1(a)(3)) and sentenced to a 60-year, nonextended term of imprisonment. The jury found defendant guilty but mentally ill. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 6—2(c).) The defendant appeals.

The record indicates that during the evening of January 11, 1988, the defendant, along with Joe Robinson, Duane Page, Brian Page, Benjamin Burnett, and a boy named “Pookey” chartered a limousine from the victim, Robert DeYoung. DeYoung chartered and drove a black stretch limousine. At trial,…