People v. Beard

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Macon County, defendant James Beard was convicted of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(3) (West 1992)) and concealment of a homicidal death (720 ILCS 5/9 — 3.1(a) (West 1992)). He was sentenced to a term of natural life in prison. He now appeals, contending that (1) the trial court erred in admitting evidence of semen found at the scene of the crime where the semen was not connected to him; (2) reversible error occurred in the admission of a witness’ prior consistent statement; and (3) his sentence of natural life in prison was improper…