People v. Towns

Defendant, Terrance Towns, was convicted in the circuit court of St. Clair County of first degree murder. At sentencing the jury determined that defendant was eligible for the death penalty based on the fact that the murder occurred during the course of an armed robbery. Finding factors in aggravation, the jury returned a verdict of death. Defendant’s execution was stayed pending direct review by this court. Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, §4(b); 134 Ill. 2d Rules 603, 609(a).

On appeal defendant argues that: (1) he was denied his right to have a fair and impartial jury; (2) the State failed to lay…