People v. Hicks

In a jury trial, defendant Vernon Hicks was convicted of murder, attempted murder, home invasion and armed robbery. The trial court sentenced defendant to 40 years’ imprisonment for murder and to a consecutive sentence of 30 years for attempted murder. The court also imposed a concurrent term of 30 years’ imprisonment on the armed robbery conviction. The defendant now appeals his convictions and the sentences imposed.

At trial, the State’s chief witness was Kathryn Yazell. Yazell was living with Francis Cody on September 24, 1979. The two of them frequently sold marijuana to other individuals.…