People v. Topps

October 29, 1997

3rd Division

1-95-4339

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) APPEAL FROM THE) CIRCUIT COURT OF

Plaintiff-Appellee, ) COOK COUNTY)

v. ) No. 94-17968)

CHARLES TOPPS ) THE HONORABLE) FRANK DEBONI,

Defendant-Appellant. ) JUDGE PRESIDING.

PRESIDING JUSTICE COUSINS delivered the opinion of the court:

Defendant, Charles Topps, was convicted in a jury trial of aggravated arson and two counts of first degree murder on October 20, 1995. Defendant was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for natural life for the murders and 30 years' imprisonment, to run concurrently, for…