People v. Clark

After a jury trial, defendant Billy Clark was convicted of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery and armed violence. He was sentenced to serve concurrent terms of 15 years for attempted murder and 40 years for murder in the penitentiary.

On appeal, defendant contends that the cumulative impact of improper prosecutorial comments during opening and closing arguments denied defendant a fair trial.

We reverse and remand for a new trial.

In his opening statement, before any testimony had been heard and prior to discussing what the State’s evidence would show, the prosecutor warned the jury…