People v. Bunning

Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Macon County, defendant Forrest E. Bunning, Jr., was found guilty of armed robbery. 720 ILCS 5/18 — 2(a) (West 1996). He was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed in Macon County case No. 95 — CF—1134. Defendant was credited with 254 days previously served. The issues are whether defendant was denied a fair trial (1) when the prosecutor, during opening statement, told the jury defendant had confessed and referred to two witnesses, but did not call them or produce evidence of a confession; (2) when…