People v. Phillips

Following a jury trial, defendant Harold Phillips was convicted of first degree felony murder and aggravated arson and was sentenced to natural life and 30 years’ imprisonment, respectively, the sentences to be served consecutively. On appeal, defendant advances numerous claims pertaining to his convictions and the sentences imposed thereon. Specifically, defendant contends: (1) his felony murder conviction must be vacated pursuant to the same-act doctrine because the same conduct formed the bases for the predicate felony and the felony murder charges; (2) trial counsel provided ineffective…