People v. Coleman

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Lake County, defendant, Alton Coleman, was found guilty of aggravated kidnapping (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 10—2) and murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 9—1) in connection with the abduction and death of nine-year-old Vernita Wheat. The jury found defendant eligible for the. death penalty (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, pars. 9—1(b)(3), (b)(7)) and found that there were no mitigating circumstances sufficient to preclude imposition of the death, penalty. The trial court sentenced defendant to death and to a 15-year term of…