People v. Merchel

Mme JUSTICE SPOMER

delivered the opinion of the court:

Defendant, Arthur Merchel, was convicted following a bench trial of the murder of Rodney Winfree. Pursuant to section 5 — 8—1(a)(1) of the Unified Code of Corrections (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1979, ch. 38, par. 1005 — 8—1(a)(1)), the sentencing judge found that the murder “was accompanied by exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty,” and on that basis sentenced the defendant to a term of natural life imprisonment. On appeal, defendant challenges the constitutionality of the natural life provision and the appropriateness…