People v. McClendon

During a series of altercations occurring in Danville, defendant shot and killed Keith Bevly. Defendant was charged with three counts of first-degree murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, pars. 9 — 1(a), 9— 1(a)(2)) and with armed violence based upon aggravated battery (great bodily harm) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 33A — 2). The jury convicted him of armed violence. It could not reach a decision on the murder counts. The trial court sentenced defendant to 30 years’ imprisonment for the armed violence conviction. Subsequently, defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder (Ill.…