People v. Wilkins

After a jury trial, Ronald Wilkins was convicted of murder and sentenced to a term of 20 to 60 years’ imprisonment. On appeal he raises three issues: (1) whether he was proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; (2) whether the failure, to instruct the jury on the offense of voluntary manslaughter was error; and (3) whether the sentence of 20 to 60 years’ imprisonment was excessive.

Mrs. Johnella Davis Lyles, the mother of the decedent, Bernard Davis, was the principal prosecution witness. Mrs. Lyles testified that on May 19, 1973, Bernard and his sister left the family’s apartment to go…