People v. Lenzi

In a bench trial, the defendant, James Lenzi, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery. He was sentenced to not less than 1 nor more than 5 years in the penitentiary, and appeals.

The defendant presented evidence raising the affirmative defenses of self-defense and assisting a peace officer in making an arrest. Having reviewed the occurrence testimony, the physical evidence found at the scene and evidence as to the reputation of the deceased and his brother, we conclude that the State did not meet its burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a…