People v. Pena

Following a trial without a jury, defendant Daniel Pena was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and armed violence and was sentenced to an extended term of 50 years on the murder charge. Defendant appeals, contending that his confession was involuntary; that the State failed to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; and that the sentence was excessive.

On October 6, 1984, Angel Velez was standing on a street corner with several others when a brown car pulled up to the corner. Defendant was allegedly driving while Juan Perez was in the passenger seat. Perez rolled down the…