People v. Lechner

Defendant, Frederick J. Lechner, was charged with the murder of his wife, Betty Lechner, and one Richard Taylor. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 9 — 1(a)(2).) Following a bench trial, defendant was found guilty of murder for both homicides and was sentenced to serve in the penitentiary a term of not less than 14 nor more than 30 years.

Defendant appeals from these judgments and presents the following cóntentions: (1) the trial court erred by denying a lay witness the opportunity to express an opinion regarding defendant’s mental state at the time of the homicides; and (2) both convictions…