People v. Fowler

PRESIDING JUSTICE GARMAÑ

delivered the opinion of the court:

In December 1996, defendant Troy Fowler was charged in the circuit court of Edgar County with murder and aggravated battery of a child. Initially, Fowler was represented by the public defender. In January 1997, attorney Ronald Tulin of Ronald Tulin, Ltd. (Tulin), entered his appearance on Fowler’s behalf, having been retained by Fowler’s parents. Later that month, Fowler was also charged with the offense of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. In March 1997, the State announced its intention to seek the death penalty. A jury…