People v. Peeples

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Cook County, defendant, William Peeples, was convicted of first degree murder, home invasion, and aggravated arson. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, pars. 9 — 1(a)(1), 12— ll(aX2), 20 — 1.1.) The trial judge sentenced defendant to death on the murder conviction and concurrent 30-year prison terms on the home invasion and aggravated arson convictions. The death sentence has been stayed (134 Ill. 2d R. 609(a)), and the case is now before us for direct review (Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, §4(b); Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 9-l(i); 134 Ill. 2d R.…