People v. Evans

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Macon County, defendant, Robert Lee Evans, Jr., was convicted of first degree murder. 720 ILCS 5/9 — 1 (West 2000). The same jury found defendant eligible for the death penalty and further determined that there were no mitigating factors sufficient to preclude the imposition of that sentence. Subsequently, the trial court sentenced defendant to death. Defendant’s sentence was stayed pending his direct appeal to this court. Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, § 4(b); 720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(0 (West 2000); 134 Ill. 2d R. 603.

BACKGROUND

On the evening of May 5,…