People v. Sample

Defendant Willie Sample appeals from his convictions for four counts of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(1), (a)(3) (West 1996)), one count of armed robbery (720 ILCS 5/18 — 2 (West 1996)), and one count of home invasion (720 ILCS 5/12 — 11 (West 1996)). Defendant received sentences of 35 years for first degree murder and 6 years each for armed robbery and home invasion, all to be served consecutively.

In this appeal, defendant argues that his convictions must be reversed because he was denied his sixth amendment right to confront and cross-examine witnesses when the State elicited…