People v. Cord

Defendant, Roy Cord, was convicted of first degree murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 9—1(a)(1)) and sentenced to 88 years’ imprisonment. On appeal he argues that he was denied the effective assistance of trial counsel when counsel introduced an officer’s written account of defendant’s confession which contained aggravating information. Defendant also argues the trial court abused its discretion by entering an excessive sentence.

Defendant pleaded guilty to the murder of Steven Moss in return for the State’s agreement not to seek the death penalty. The court accepted the plea and…