People v. Friesen

On March 19, 1976, a Jeep driven by the defendant struck and killed Beth Douglas, a 16-year-old girl. Defendant was charged in a three-count indictment with the offenses of reckless homicide (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 38, par. 9—3(a)), driving without driving lamps (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 95½, par. 12—201) and speeding (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 95½, par. 11—601). After a bench trial, the defendant was convicted of reckless homicide and sentenced to two years’ probation, with the first 90 days to be spent in the county jail. (The court made no finding on the other charges.) The defendant…