People v. Odle

The defendant, Thomas V. Odle, was convicted of the brutal murders of his father, mother, two brothers, and a sister in their family residence located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on November 8, 1985. A jury rejected defendant’s insanity defense and found him guilty of all five murders. The defendant waived a jury at sentencing, and the trial court found the defendant eligible for the death penalty. After hearing evidence in aggravation and mitigation, the trial court sentenced the defendant to death.

Defendant’s convictions were affirmed on direct appeal in People v. Odle (1988), 128 Ill. 2d 111.…