People v. Wilks

Following a grand jury indictment for murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 9—1) and armed violence (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 33A—2) and a subsequent bench trial on those charges, defendant Klutz Wilks was convicted of voluntary manslaughter (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 9—2) and sentenced to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. On appeal, defendant seeks a reversal of his conviction, contending, first, that his use of force was justified in defense of his person and, second, that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the cause of death.…