People v. Starks

In July 1989, defendant, inmate David Starks, along with inmates Salvatore Giancana and William Cabrera, were charged by indictment with two counts of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9—1(a) (West 1992)) for the death of a Stateville prison guard, Lawrence A. Kush, Jr. (the victim). A Will County jury convicted defendant of both counts. The jury directed the court not to impose the death penalty, and the court sentenced defendant to a term of natural life imprisonment.

On appeal, defendant raises numerous issues that can be generally described as errors concerning: shackling, jury selection,…