People v. Garcia

Following a bench trial, defendant, Raul Garcia, was found guilty but mentally ill of attempted murder, four counts of aggravated battery, and two counts of armed violence. Defendant was sentenced to a term of 12 years for attempted murder. On appeal defendant argues that the State failed to sustain its burden of proof with regard to his defense of insanity. We reverse and remand.

The facts surrounding the incident in question are not in dispute. Prior to the occurrence at issue here, defendant and his brother Rudolfo, the victim, were living in their mother’s house along with several other…