People v. Benford

FOURTH DIVISION

JUNE 30, 2004

1-03-0607

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) Appeal from the) Circuit Court of

Plaintiff-Appellee, ) Cook County.)

v. ))

REGINALD BENFORD, ) Honorable) Diane Cannon,

Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge Presiding.

Following a jury trial, defendant, Reginald Benford, was convicted of first degree murder for the shooting death of fellow gang member, Davon Cook. Defendant was sentenced to 40 years' imprisonment. On appeal, defendant questions whether: (1) he was denied effective assistance of counsel; (2) the circuit court considered the murder itself as an aggravating factor…