People v. Colon

The primary issue presented in this case is whether the admission of evidence concerning gang membership and the State’s use of that evidence was so prejudicial as to deprive defendant of a fair trial and due process. The majority today holds that evidence of gang membership and the occurrence of the crime in the territorial turf of a rival gang to that of which defendant is a member is relevant to show motive for an otherwise inexplicable crime. The appellate court in this case held, "We reverse defendant’s conviction because the State improperly introduced extensive gang evidence without…