People v. Riggins

Following a jury trial, defendant, Jimmy Lee Riggins, was convicted of murder and armed violence, and subsequently was sentenced to a 25-year prison term. Defendant appeals, contending that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he did not act in self-defense; that the submission of Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions on murder and voluntary manslaughter constituted grave error requiring reversal; and that the trial court erred in permitting certain improper impeachment of defendant.

The facts are as follows. Defendant testified that during the afternoon of June 30, 1986, he…