People v. Rufus

Eddie Rufus and four others were charged with the murder of Michael Simkins. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 38, par. 9 — 1.) Defendant Rufus was tried alone before a jury and found guilty. He was sentenced to a term of 40 years.

Michael Simkins was shot to death on the sidewalk of North Mohawk Street in the city of Chicago, near the Cabrini-Green housing project. The shooting occurred on April 29, 1979, at approximately 5:15 p.m. Two eyewitnesses testified for the State. Owen Terry was sitting in a parked car when he heard a gunshot. He testified that he turned and saw two men standing over a man…