People v. Smith

Defendant Clarence Smith was convicted of murder, aggravated battery and robbery following a jury trial in Sangamon County, Illinois (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 38, pars. 9 — 1(a), 12 — 4(b)(1), 18 — 1(a)). Defendant was sentenced to 60 years’ imprisonment on the murder charge. He now appeals, contending (1) the State failed to rebut the prima facie showing that its peremptory challenges had been used in a racially discriminatory manner and (2) the trial court erred in admitting hearsay evidence of incriminating statements allegedly made by defendant. We affirm.

Inasmuch as defendant does not…