People v. Pirrello

Defendant, Peter Pirrello, was charged by information with murder. Defendant admitted killing the victim, Mark Thomas, but testified at trial that he had done so in self-defense. Defendant was, nevertheless, found guilty by a jury, and was sentenced to a 40-year term of imprisonment. Defendant now appeals, arguing that he was denied a fair trial in several respects. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

Mark Thomas’ body was found about 7:30 p.m. on July 26, 1985, at the Kapota Gun Club near Shirland, Illinois, by a member of the club. He had been shot three times with a shotgun, the cause of…