People v. Brown , 2017 IL App (1st) 142197 ( 2017 )

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Appellate Court Date: 2017.09.25
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People v. Brown, 2017 IL App (1st) 142197Appellate Court THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v.
Caption DANIEL BROWN, Defendant-Appellant.
District & No. First District, Fifth Division
Docket No. 1-14-2197
Filed June 23, 2017
Rehearing denied July 28, 2017
Decision Under Appeal from the Circuit Court of Cook County, No. 12-CR-7098; the
Review Hon. Maura Slattery-Boyle, Judge, presiding.
Judgment Affirmed; mittimus corrected.
Counsel on Michael J. Pelletier, Patricia Mysza, and Rachel M. Kindstrand, of
Appeal State Appellate Defender’s Office, of Chicago, for appellant.
Kimberly M. Foxx, State’s Attorney, of Chicago (Alan J. Spellberg,
Eric Leafblad, and Janet C. Mahoney, Assistant State’s Attorneys, of
counsel), for the People.
Panel JUSTICE LAMPKIN delivered the judgment of the court, with
opinion.
Justice Reyes concurred in the judgment and opinion.
Justice Hall specially concurred, with opinion.
OPINION
¶1 Defendant Daniel Brown was found guilty by a jury of first degree murder, with a finding
that he personally discharged the firearm that caused the victim’s death. Defendant was
sentenced to prison terms of 45 years for murder and 45 years for personally discharging the
firearm that caused the death, to be served consecutively.
¶2 On appeal, he contends (1) the trial court committed reversible error during voir dire by
failing to inquire when a juror indicated a lack of understanding concerning a fundamental
principle about the burden of proof; (2) the trial court erred when it admitted a surveillance
recording without adequate foundation and permitted a detective to offer impermissible lay
opinion identification testimony concerning the recording and defense counsel was
ineffective by failing to object to this evidence; (3) the trial court erred by admitting
irrelevant and highly prejudicial DNA evidence, the State’s closing argument concerning the
DNA evidence was misleading, and defense counsel was ineffective for failing to object to
the DNA evidence; (4) the statutory firearm sentencing enhancement is unconstitutionally
vague and the trial court imposed an arbitrary and excessive sentence; and (5) the mittimus
should be corrected to reflect one murder conviction and a 90-year prison sentence.
¶3 We find that the trial court’s erroneous voir dire inquiry of one venire member
concerning a Zehr principle and admission of a law enforcement officer’s lay opinion
identification testimony were not so serious as to deny defendant a fair trial. We also find
that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by admitting the surveillance recording and
DNA evidence. Furthermore, the statutory firearm sentencing enhancement is not
unconstitutionally vague, and defendant’s sentence was not arbitrary or excessive.
¶4 For the reasons that follow, we affirm the judgment of the circuit court and order the
mittimus corrected to reflect one conviction of murder and a 90-year term of imprisonment.
¶5 I. BACKGROUND
¶6 This case arose from the fatal shooting of Eddie Coleman on East 79th Street in Chicago
at about 10:38 p.m. on March 6, 2012. Eyewitnesses identified defendant Daniel Brown as
the shooter, and he was charged by indictment with first degree murder. A jury trial was held
in April and May 2014.
¶7 The State’s evidence showed that on the date of the offense the victim was visiting his
aunts, Mayblelene and Kathleen Coleman, who both lived on the 3000 block of East 79th
Street. At about 10 p.m., the victim and his girlfriend, Taheerah Abdullah, walked half of a
block to a store. They went inside, and the victim spoke to some men from the neighborhood,
including defendant. Abdullah had known defendant for about a week and had seen him a
couple of times. Abdullah heard defendant repeatedly state, “[W]hatever is gonna happen,
man, is gonna happen.” The victim and defendant went outside into the parking lot.
Eventually, Abdullah followed them. Defendant and the victim talked and their demeanor
was “kind of hostile.” Abdullah stood apart from them and did not hear everything they said.
Abdullah was concerned and telephoned the home of the victim’s aunt, Mayblelene.
Abdullah spoke with Mayblelene’s daughter, Natasha Coleman, who then walked to the
store.
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¶8 Abdullah exchanged words with a woman who was with defendant, and the woman spat
on Abdullah. Natasha arrived at the scene and spoke with Abdullah. Eventually, the victim
joined them. They left the parking lot and headed toward Mayblelene’s house. They spoke to
police officers in the area about the parking lot incident, and the officers told them to go
home and telephone the police to report the matter. Natasha walked toward her mother’s
house, followed by Abdullah and then the victim. When Natasha and Abdullah arrived at the
house, the victim was no longer with them. Natasha and Abdullah went inside. Abdullah
called the police and reported the parking lot incident, and Natasha sat at the dining room
table.
¶9 Abdullah testified that when she returned to the porch to look for the victim, she heard a
gunshot and saw the victim running down the street with defendant running behind him.
Defendant’s arm was outstretched and pointed toward the victim. Abdullah heard another
gunshot followed by the victim yelling, “Ouch.” Abdullah ran inside the house because she
feared defendant would come after her. She heard about three more gunshots. When the
gunshots ceased, Abdullah went outside and saw the victim lying motionless on the ground.
His aunt, Kathleen Coleman, was with him.
¶ 10 An ambulance arrived and transported the victim to the hospital. He died from multiple
gunshot wounds. He had been shot three times, once in the left side of the back, once in the
upper right chest, and once in the left arm, with no evidence of close-range firing. At the time
of his death, he had alcohol, cocaine, and benzoylecgonine, a breakdown of cocaine, in his
system. He was 43 years old, 6 feet tall, and weighed 200 pounds.
¶ 11 Kathleen Coleman testified that she went outside around 10 p.m. to look for the victim
because she had agreed to give him a ride home. She drove her car around the block and
parked in front of her house. She exited her car and saw the victim running through a
gangway with defendant chasing him. Kathleen testified that the area was well lit, and she
could see defendant’s face even though he wore a purple hoodie over his head. Kathleen
testified she had known defendant for a couple of years due to his previous relationship with
a girl in the area. Kathleen observed defendant shoot the victim in the back. The victim
screamed, “Ouch,” ran a short distance, and collapsed in the middle of the street. Defendant
was running so close behind the victim that defendant had to jump over him. Defendant then
turned around and shot the victim in the shoulder area. Kathleen called out, “Who is that?” so
defendant would not suspect that she had recognized him. Defendant looked at her, pointed
the gun into the air, and shot the light pole. Defendant ran off through a gangway. Kathleen
found the victim between two cars. He was unresponsive, and Kathleen did not see a gun in
his possession.
¶ 12 Natasha testified that she heard the first gunshot while she was inside her mother’s house.
Natasha saw Abdullah come toward her, crying. Natasha ran to the front door and onto the
porch. She saw the victim being chased by defendant. She knew defendant because they had
gone to school together. The victim did not have anything in his hands, but defendant held a
gun in the hand of his extended arm. Natasha heard another gunshot and saw the victim fall
to the ground. Defendant jumped over him and fired another gunshot toward the ground
where the victim had fallen. Natasha heard Kathleen speak and then saw defendant fire a
gunshot into the air. Natasha heard the gunshot hit a light pole near defendant. Defendant
then ran away through a gangway.
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¶ 13 Mayblelene testified that she was in her home just before 10:38 p.m. when she heard
three gunshots. She heard another gunshot that sounded like it hit something iron. Abdullah
ran past her to the door to see what had happened. Then Abdullah ran back past Mayblelene.
Mayblelene went to the front door where Natasha was already standing and looking outside.
Mayblelene saw defendant, whom she had seen several times per week in the neighborhood,
run toward her house and then through a gangway with a gun in his hand. She did not see
anyone else on the street with a gun and did not see anyone else run from the scene.
Mayblelene had a phone in her hand and telephoned 911.
¶ 14 Detective Donald Hill and Detective John Otto arrived at the scene around 11:30 p.m.
and learned that Natasha and Kathleen had witnessed the shooting. Detective Hill spoke to
both women separately and each stated that the shooter’s nickname was “Nu-Nu.” Natasha
and Kathleen were immediately transported to the police station in separate vehicles and
were kept separate while they were at the police station.
¶ 15 Meanwhile, Mayblelene’s niece Dominique Coleman had arrived at Mayblelene’s house.
Mayblelene told her that “Nu-Nu,” with whom Dominique had gone to school, had shot the
victim. Dominique told Officer Kevin Fry and Officer Robert Lobianco that “Nu-Nu” had
shot the victim. Dominique also showed the officers a photo of “Nu-Nu” on her cell phone.
The police obtained defendant’s photograph from a police department computer, and
Dominique identified that photograph as the person Mayblelene had said was the shooter.
Officer Fry relayed information about the identification to Detective Hill and Detective Otto.
¶ 16 Detective William Meister and Detective Patrick Ford interviewed Kathleen and Natasha
at the police station. Natasha was visibly upset, stated that the shooter was a person she knew
as “Nu-Nu,” and gave a physical description of him. Kathleen, also visibly upset, similarly
identified the shooter as someone she knew as “Nu-Nu.” When Detective Hill informed
Detective Meister that defendant had been identified as “Nu-Nu,” Detective Meister created a
photo array that included a photo of defendant. Natasha and Kathleen separately viewed the
photo array and identified the photo of defendant as “Nu-Nu,” the man who shot the victim.
¶ 17 Detective Hill testified that he spoke with Abdullah at the scene of the shooting and
learned about the verbal altercation that had occurred at the nearby store. Detective Hill and
Detective Otto went to the store in the early morning hours of March 7, 2012. They had a
photo of defendant, who had been identified as the shooter. Detective Hill spoke with the
store manager and viewed the store’s surveillance footage of the time frame shortly before
the 10:38 p.m. shooting. Detective Hill viewed footage of the parking lot area outside the
store and the area directly outside the store entrance. In the parking lot footage, Detective
Hill saw defendant and the victim talk to each other. The victim wore a black and gray
jacket, and defendant wore a black jacket over a purple hoodie. In the store entrance footage,
Detective Hill saw defendant exit the store. Defendant’s face, jacket, and hoodie were
visible. Detective Hill identified the State’s CD exhibit of the surveillance footage that a
police evidence technician had downloaded from the store’s surveillance equipment. The CD
was published to the jury without objection.
¶ 18 The jury viewed the parking lot footage first. The date and time displayed in a corner of
that footage indicated it was recorded on March 6, 2012, from about 10:17 p.m. to 10:21 p.m.
Several people appeared in the parking lot area, and Detective Hill identified the victim and
defendant when they initially appeared on the right side of the screen and described what
they wore. Detective Hill continued to narrate that the victim and defendant initially walked
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with and talked to only each other, but they were quickly joined by other people. The victim
and defendant walked toward the right side of the screen and out of the view of the camera
but eventually returned within the camera’s view, still engaged in conversation. They walked
across the parking lot, and the victim held his hands in an open manner. Then the victim and
defendant moved away from each other, and the victim stood among a group of people.
Defendant walked toward the group that included the victim but then walked toward the right
side of screen and out of the camera’s view. Eventually, the victim walked toward the left
side of the screen and off camera. Defendant reemerged on the right side of screen and
walked off camera in the direction taken by the victim. Then defendant reappeared on the left
side of the screen and walked back toward the store entrance.
¶ 19 The jury viewed the footage of the store entrance recorded at about 10:13 p.m. Detective
Hill identified defendant as he exited the store wearing a black hat and a black jacket over a
purple hoodie. Detective Hill also testified that Abdullah appeared in the parking lot footage
but Natasha did not. Furthermore, the recording did not show any fight between either the
victim and defendant or Abdullah and the woman who allegedly spat on her.
¶ 20 On March 21, 2012, Officer Ryan Sheahan observed defendant exit a residence. Sheahan
exited his car and walked up to defendant, who fled. Sheahan alerted other officers that he
was in pursuit. The officers found defendant under the back steps of a residence about
one-half of a mile from where Officer Sheahan had first encountered him. Defendant was
placed in custody.
¶ 21 Eyewitnesses Abdullah, Kathleen, Natasha, and Mayblelene separately viewed a physical
lineup. Abdullah, Kathleen, and Natasha identified defendant in the lineup as the person who
shot the victim. Mayblelene identified defendant as the person she saw running from the
scene with a gun.
¶ 22 Police recovered from the crime scene one fired bullet in the street, a second fired bullet
on the sidewalk, and two fired cartridge casings. The bullets were .40/10 millimeter bullets,
and both were fired from the same firearm. The fired cartridge casings were .40 caliber and
both were fired from the same firearm. The police firearms identification expert could not
determine if the fired bullets and fired cartridge casings were from the same gun. The police
also recovered a purple tag that read “Akoo” in gold writing, a watch and the back to the
watch, and a black clothes button.
¶ 23 Forensic DNA expert Ruben Ramos conducted polymerase chain reaction/short tandem
repeat analysis of the DNA on a buccal swab collected from defendant, a blood standard
from the victim, and the swabs collected from the watch, watch back, and button. Material
collected from the button was insufficient to test. The DNA collected from the watch and
watch back was a low-level sample. It was a mixture of human DNA profiles that were
incomplete but could be separated into one minor and one major profile.
¶ 24 Ramos stated that the victim could be excluded as a contributor to both the minor and
major profiles. Concerning the major profile, Ramos was able to attempt to identify only 9 of
the 13 loci on the DNA molecule that form the basis for comparison and obtained results at
only 6 loci plus the location that indicates the sex of the person. He explained that because he
could compare only the 6 loci test results from the major profile to defendant’s profile,
Ramos could not state whether defendant’s DNA matched the major profile found on the
watch and watch back. Ramos could state only whether defendant could be excluded as a
contributor to the major profile. Ramos determined that defendant could not be excluded as a
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contributor to the major profile, which meant defendant was included as a contributor.
Ramos calculated a frequency estimating the chance a random person would be included as a
contributor to that major profile as 1 in 670,000 blacks, 1 in 580,000 whites, or 1 in 6.1
million Hispanics.
¶ 25 After the state rested, the trial court denied defendant’s motion for a directed finding.
Defendant then rested, and the jury heard closing arguments. The jury found defendant guilty
of first degree murder, with a finding that he personally discharged a firearm that
proximately caused the victim’s death. The trial court denied defendant’s motion for a new
trial and sentenced him to 45 years in prison for the murder and an additional 45-year term
for the firearm enhancement. Thereafter, the trial court denied defendant’s motion to
reconsider the sentence.
¶ 26 II. ANALYSIS
¶ 27 On appeal, defendant argues (1) the trial court committed reversible error during voir dire
by failing to inquire when a venire member who became a juror indicated a lack of
understanding concerning a principle about the burden of proof; (2) the trial court erred when
it admitted the store surveillance recording without an adequate foundation and permitted
Detective Hill to testify about the content of the recording and identify the victim and
defendant, and defense counsel was ineffective by failing to object to this evidence; (3) the
trial court erred by admitting irrelevant and highly prejudicial DNA evidence, the State’s
closing argument concerning that evidence was misleading, and defense counsel was
ineffective for failing to object to the DNA evidence; (4) the statutory firearm sentencing
enhancement is unconstitutionally vague and the trial court imposed an arbitrary and
excessive sentence; and (5) the mittimus should be corrected to reflect one conviction for
murder and a sentence of 90 years’ imprisonment.
¶ 28 A. Voir Dire
¶ 29 Defendant contends the trial court committed reversible error by failing to conduct an
adequate voir dire of venire member L.L., who indicated she did not understand a
fundamental principle of the right to a fair trial before an impartial jury but nevertheless was
deemed qualified to serve on the jury. Specifically, L.L. indicated during voir dire that she
did not understand the principle that the presumption of innocence stays with the defendant
throughout the trial and is not overcome unless the State proves the charges against the
defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendant argues the judge failed to conduct any
further inquiry concerning L.L.’s understanding and acceptance of this fundamental
principle. Defendant also argues the judge conducted “a wholly inadequate voir dire of L.L.”
and then erroneously concluded that L.L. merely meant she had trouble understanding
English and her answers to general questions, which the judge had posed to all the venire
members, demonstrated that L.L. did not struggle to comprehend English. Defendant asserts
that the trial judge’s failure to inquire into L.L.’s understanding of the fundamental principle
and failure to adequately inquire into L.L.’s comprehension of English deprived defendant of
his right to a fair trial before an impartial jury.
¶ 30 Defendant has forfeited review of this issue by failing to both timely object and include
this issue in his motion for a new trial. People v. Denson, 2014 IL 116231, ¶ 11. However, he
asks us to review this issue under the plain error doctrine, arguing that the error was so
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serious that it affected the fairness of his trial and challenged the integrity of the judicial
process.
¶ 31 We may review claims of error under the plain error rule, which is a narrow and limited
exception to forfeiture. People v. Hiller, 237 Ill. 2d 539, 545 (2010); Ill. S. Ct. R. 615(a). To
obtain relief under this rule, a defendant must show that a clear or obvious error occurred. Id.The defendant bears the burden of persuading the court that either (1) the evidence at the
hearing was so closely balanced (regardless of the seriousness of the error) as to severely
threaten to tip the scales of justice against the defendant or (2) the error was so serious
(regardless of the closeness of the evidence) as to deny the defendant a fair trial and
challenge the integrity of the judicial process. People v. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d 167, 187 (2005).
In order to determine whether the plain error doctrine should be applied, we must first
determine whether any error occurred. Id.¶ 32 In People v. Rinehart, 2012 IL 111719, our supreme court discussed the right to an
impartial jury encompassed within the constitutional right to a jury trial.
“The trial court is primarily responsible for initiating and conducting voir dire ***.
Because there is no precise test for determining which questions will filter out partial
jurors [citation], the manner and scope of the examination rests within the discretion
of the trial court, and we review such decisions for an abuse of discretion. An abuse
of discretion occurs when the conduct of the trial court thwarts the purpose of voir
dire examination—namely, the selection of a jury free from bias or prejudice.
[Citation.]; People v. Cloutier, 156 Ill. 2d 483, 495-96 (1993) (‘[t]he purpose of voir
dire is to ascertain sufficient information about prospective jurors’ beliefs and
opinions so as to allow removal of those members of the venire whose minds are so
closed by bias and prejudice that they cannot apply the law as instructed in
accordance with their oath’); see also People v. Clark, 278 Ill. App. 3d 996, 1003
(1996) (‘The purpose of voir dire is to enable the trial court to select an impartial jury
and to ensure that the attorneys have an informed and intelligent basis on which to
exercise peremptory challenges.’). Stated differently, a trial court does not abuse its
discretion during voir dire if the questions create ‘a reasonable assurance that any
prejudice or bias would be discovered.’ People v. Dow, 240 Ill. App. 3d 392, 397
(1992).” Rinehart, 2012 IL 111719, ¶ 16.
¶ 33 Illinois Supreme Court Rule 431(b) (eff. July 1, 2012) requires the trial court to ask
prospective jurors if they understand and accept that (1) a defendant is presumed innocent,
(2) the State must prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt before he can be
convicted, (3) the defendant is not required to offer any evidence in his own behalf, and (4) if
a defendant does not testify on his own behalf, it cannot be held against him. “The court’s
method of inquiry shall provide each juror an opportunity to respond to specific questions
concerning the principles set out in [Rule 431(b)].” Id. The trial court’s questioning of the
venire concerning these four principles, which are commonly referred to as the Zehr
principles, is intended to ensure compliance with People v. Zehr, 103 Ill. 2d 472, 477 (1984),
which sought to end the practice where the judge made a broad statement of the applicable
law followed by a general question concerning the juror’s willingness to follow the law. Ill.
S. Ct. R. 431, Committee Comments.
¶ 34 According to the record, the trial court questioned the venire concerning the first Zehr
principle and no one raised a hand to indicate a lack of understanding or lack of agreement
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with the first principle. When the court asked if anyone in the venire did not understand and
accept the second principle that the presumption of innocence stays with the defendant
throughout the trial and is not overcome unless, from all the evidence, the juror believes the
State proved defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, juror L.L. raised her hand. The
following occurred:
“THE COURT: Ms. [L.L.]?
[L.L.]: I don’t understand.
THE COURT: I’ll get to that in a second. Other than Ms. [L.L.], is there anyone
that does not understand and accept that principle? Please raise your hand at this time.
The second [Zehr] question has been asked; no one has raised their hand.”
¶ 35 The trial court continued to question the venire concerning the third and fourth Zehr
principles and no one raised a hand to indicate a lack of understanding or acceptance. Then
the judge questioned five venire members before questioning L.L.
¶ 36 The judge asked L.L. a series of questions about her age, employment, education,
residence, marital status, and whether she, a family member or close friend had been a victim
of a crime, involved in a criminal case, or a party to a lawsuit. The judge asked L.L. if she
knew any lawyers, judges, or police officers; whether she ever visited anyone who was
detained or incarcerated; and how she generally received her news information. L.L.’s
responses were in English, brief, and generally one-word answers. Furthermore, L.L.
responded affirmatively when the judge asked whether she would weigh the credibility of
witness testimony without regard to the witness’s occupation and would listen to all the
evidence and apply the law as instructed by the court in a fair and impartial manner.
¶ 37 Thereafter, the judge questioned eight more venire members. In chambers, the judge
granted the State’s request to strike a venire member for cause. Then the judge stated:
“One preliminary matter. Ms. [L.L.] While beginning questioning she raised her
hand indicating—she stated that she had trouble understanding English. The Court
placed the same questions to her as every other juror, she answered appropriately. She
did not indicate at any time struggling with anything, so the Court will not strike her
for cause.”
Defense counsel did not voice any concern or disagreement with the judge’s characterization
of why L.L. stated “I don’t understand” and did not suggest that the court follow up with any
questions to L.L. about her understanding of the Zehr principles or ask that she be excused
for cause. Defense counsel accepted L.L. as a juror despite having the opportunity to use a
peremptory challenge to strike her.
¶ 38 The State argues the trial court complied with Rule 431(b) by asking the venire members
if they understood and accepted the four Zehr principles, and the trial court had no reason to
question L.L. further because the record supports a conclusion that when L.L. said, “I don’t
understand,” she was referring to or claiming some difficulty in understanding English.
¶ 39 We find that an error occurred because the trial court failed to comply with Rule 431(b).
However, we find no abuse of discretion in the trial court’s conclusion that the voir dire of
L.L. demonstrated she did not struggle to understand English and thus was competent to
serve as a juror. After L.L. indicated a failure to understand when questioned about the
second Zehr principle, the trial judge said she “would get to that in a second,” but never
asked L.L. any further questions about her understanding of the question or the second Zehr
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principle. Furthermore, the trial judge may have created confusion when she exempted L.L.
from the question about the second Zehr principle. Specifically, the judge continued
questioning the venire by stating, “Other than Ms. [L.L.], is there anyone that does not
understand and accept [the second Zehr] principle?” It would have been possible for L.L. to
construe her exemption from answering that question as also applying to the questions
concerning the third and fourth Zehr principles.
¶ 40 Despite the trial court’s error in failing to ascertain whether L.L. understood and agreed
with the second Zehr principle and possibly the third and fourth Zehr principles, we disagree
with defendant’s assertion that the trial court’s voir dire of L.L. was “wholly inadequate.”
L.L.’s answers to the judge’s questions were appropriate, albeit brief, and demonstrated
L.L.’s comprehension of the English language. L.L. even asked for clarification when she did
not understand the judge’s question concerning the source of L.L.’s news information.
Further, the judge’s questions concerning any involvement by L.L. or her family in litigation,
or whether she knew any lawyers, judges, or police officers created a reasonable assurance
that any prejudice or bias of L.L. would have been discovered. In addition, L.L. responded
that she would weigh witness credibility equally regardless of the witness’s occupation, listen
to all the evidence, and apply the law as instructed by the court and in a fair and impartial
manner. We find no abuse of discretion concerning the trial judge’s conclusion that the voir
dire of L.L. demonstrated she did not struggle with English comprehension.
¶ 41 Defendant, who has raised only the second prong of plain error, fails to cite relevant
authority to support his assertion that L.L.’s “I don’t understand” statement meant she
admitted a “lack of understanding of one of the essential qualifications of a juror” and thus
was unqualified to serve as a juror in this case. We conclude that the trial court’s error in
failing to comply with Rule 431(b) concerning the questioning of L.L. was not so serious as
to deny defendant a fair trial. In the absence of any evidence of juror L.L.’s bias offered by
defendant, who carries the burden of proving plain error, we will not presume that L.L. was
biased against him. People v. Thompson, 238 Ill. 2d 598, 614-15 (2010) (noting that violation
of Rule 431(b) does not implicate a fundamental right or constitutional protection but
involves only the failure to comply with a court rule). As discussed above, the trial court’s
voir dire of L.L. created a reasonable assurance that any bias or prejudice held by L.L. would
have been discovered. Furthermore, L.L.’s “I don’t understand” statement indicated that she
did not understand the question posed concerning the second Zehr principle and was not the
equivalent of a rejection of the second Zehr principle itself. Accordingly, we reject
defendant’s attempt to invoke the second prong of plain error.
¶ 42 The special concurrence misconstrues the analysis of the majority and the issue raised by
defendant concerning the trial court’s voir dire of L.L. The special concurrence erroneously
states the trial court concluded L.L.’s voir dire “demonstrated that she did not understand
English.” Infra ¶ 91. Also, the special concurrence erroneously contends defendant asserts
that the trial court failed to comply with Rule 431(b) by failing to inquire into L.L.’s
understanding and agreement with the second Zehr principle. Defendant, however,
repeatedly contested such a characterization of his argument on this issue in both his initial
and reply briefs before this court.
¶ 43 Specifically, defendant expressly argued that the abuse of discretion standard of review
applied to his issue of “[w]hether the trial judge properly conducted voir dire in order to
‘filter out’ unqualified jurors.” Furthermore, in his reply brief, defendant criticized the State
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for attempting to analogize his argument to cases that considered whether the trial court’s
failure to comply with Rule 431(b) was reversible error. Defendant emphasized that “[i]t is
not the trial court’s recitation of the Zehr principles that is at issue; it is whether L.L.’s
admitted lack of understanding of one of the essential qualifications of a juror, and the trial
court’s failure to properly question her about that lack of understanding, resulted in the
seating of an unqualified juror in [defendant’s] case.” Thereafter, defendant argued the State
is “wrongly recasting [defendant’s] argument as one based on whether the trial court’s
recitation of the Zehr principles complied with Rule 431(b),” and again insisted that “the
issue is not whether the trial court recited the Zehr principles correctly, but whether the
court’s failure to properly investigate L.L.’s lack of understanding of an essential juror
qualification, and the seating of an unqualified juror, constitutes reversible error.” Defendant
clearly is aware that a trial court’s failure to comply with Rule 431(b) does not constitute
second prong plain error and, thus, expends much effort to dispel any notion that he is raising
such a claim.
¶ 44 Defendant’s issue that the voir dire of juror L.L. was “wholly inadequate” is intertwined
with the issue of whether the trial court complied with Rule 431(b) and is raised in the
context of second-prong plain error review. Accordingly, the majority reviewed de novo the
trial court’s compliance with Rule 431(b) and reviewed the trial court’s voir dire of L.L. for
an abuse of discretion.
¶ 45 Alternatively, defendant argues he was denied effective assistance of counsel because
counsel failed to preserve this error for review. Defendant argues counsel should have either
requested that the trial judge examine L.L. based on her “I don’t understand” statement or
otherwise objected to her being seated on the jury.
¶ 46 In order to prove a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must satisfy
both prongs of the test discussed in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984),
which requires a showing that counsel’s performance was deficient and that the deficient
performance prejudiced the defendant. People v. White, 2011 IL 109689, ¶ 132. To satisfy the
first prong, the defendant must show that counsel’s representation fell below an objective
standard of reasonableness. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 688. The second prong requires the
defendant to “show that there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s
unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different. A reasonable
probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.” Id. at 694.
Failure to establish either counsel’s deficient performance or prejudice resulting to defendant
precludes a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel. Id. at 697. If a defendant cannot
establish prejudice, the reviewing court need not determine whether counsel’s performance
fell below the objective standard of reasonableness. Id.¶ 47 In reviewing a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, this court reviews counsel’s
actions under the totality of the circumstances of the individual case. People v. Shatner, 174
Ill. 2d 133, 147 (1996). Judicial scrutiny of counsel’s performance is highly deferential, and
counsel’s trial strategy is given a strong presumption of reasonable professional assistance.
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689. To establish deficient performance, defendant must identify
counsel’s acts or omissions that allegedly are not the result of reasonable professional
judgment and overcome the strong presumption that counsel’s action or inaction was the
result of sound trial strategy. People v. Perry, 224 Ill. 2d 312, 341-42 (2007); Strickland, 466
U.S. at 690. “A fair assessment of attorney performance requires that every effort be made to
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eliminate the distorting effects of hindsight, to reconstruct the circumstances of counsel’s
challenged conduct, and to evaluate the conduct from counsel’s perspective at the time.”
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689. Defendant must show that counsel’s errors were so serious and
his performance was so deficient that he did not function as the counsel guaranteed by the
sixth amendment. Perry, 224 Ill. 2d at 342.
¶ 48 The decision to exercise an available peremptory challenge is a strategic one and
generally not subject to scrutiny under Strickland. People v. Metcalfe, 202 Ill. 2d 544, 561-62
(2002). According to the record, defense counsel challenged potential jurors for cause and
exercised peremptory challenges. Defendant fails to show that counsel’s decision to accept
L.L. was not tactical and a matter of jury selection strategy. It is possible counsel considered
that L.L.’s voir dire responses indicated she would not favor the State in weighing the
credibility of its many police officer and forensic evidence witnesses. Furthermore, we have
rejected defendant’s contentions that the voir dire of L.L. was “wholly inadequate” and she
was not qualified to serve as a juror. Thus, counsel’s decision not to challenge L.L. for cause
was not objectively unreasonable. In addition, the evidence was more than sufficient to prove
defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and there was no evidence that L.L. rejected the
principle that the State does not overcome defendant’s presumption of innocence unless the
State proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We find no merit in defendant’s claim of
ineffective assistance of counsel.
¶ 49 B. Surveillance Recording
¶ 50 Defendant argues the State failed to lay an adequate foundation for introduction of the
surveillance recording of the store parking lot where defendant and the victim exchanged
words prior to the shooting on 79th Street. Further, defendant contends it was improper to
allow Detective Hill to recount or narrate the contents of the recording as it was played for
the jury because it constituted inadmissible lay witness identification testimony. Defendant,
however, did not object to the introduction of the recording or Detective Hill’s testimony
identifying defendant and the victim in that recording and describing their movements.
Defendant concedes he has forfeited review of these issues on appeal but asks us to review
these claims under the second prong of the plain error doctrine because the errors were so
serious as to deprive him of a fair trial. Alternatively, defendant argues trial counsel was
ineffective by failing to timely object and preserve these claims for review.
¶ 51 In order to determine whether the plain error doctrine should be applied, we must first
determine whether any error occurred. People v. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d 167, 187 (2005). We
review the trial court’s decisions to admit the surveillance recording and Detective Hill’s
testimony concerning the recording for an abuse of discretion, which occurs when the trial
court’s ruling is fanciful, unreasonable, or when no reasonable person would adopt the trial
court’s view. People v. Taylor, 2011 IL 110067, ¶ 27. The forfeiture rule is “particularly
appropriate” when a defendant claims the State failed to lay a proper foundation. People v.
Woods, 214 Ill. 2d 455, 470 (2005). In that circumstance, “a defendant’s lack of a timely and
specific objection deprives the State of the opportunity to correct any deficiency in the
foundational proof at the trial level.” Id.; People v. Johnson, 2016 IL App (4th) 150004,
¶¶ 70-71. Had defendant objected, the State would have had the opportunity to elicit
additional foundational evidence or testimony.
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¶ 52 First, defendant argues the State failed to lay an adequate foundation for admission of the
surveillance recording because the State failed to present any evidence that the store’s
surveillance device was capable of recording and generally reliable, that the operator of the
device was competent, and that the device was operating properly.
¶ 53 Automatic surveillance recordings present the prototypical situation for application of the
silent witness theory. Taylor, 2011 IL 110067, ¶ 32. This theory allows the recordings to be
introduced as substantive evidence as long as a proper foundation is laid; “a witness need not
testify to the accuracy of the image depicted in the [recording] if the accuracy of the process
that produced the evidence is established with an adequate foundation.” Id. In determining
whether an adequate foundation has been laid for a surveillance recording, courts consider
(1) the device’s capability for recording and general reliability; (2) competency of the
operator; (3) proper operation of the device; (4) showing the manner in which the recording
was preserved (chain of custody); (5) identification of the persons, locale, or objects
depicted; and (6) explanation of any copying or duplication process. Id. ¶ 35. This list of
factors is not exclusive, and some factors may not be relevant depending on the facts of the
case. Id. “The dispositive issue in every case is the accuracy and reliability of the process that
produced the recording.” Id.
¶ 54 We find no error occurred regarding the admission of the surveillance recording.
Detective Hill testified that he learned from eyewitnesses at the scene of the shooting on 79th
Street about the encounter between the victim and defendant at the nearby store. Detective
Hill promptly went to that store with a photograph of defendant to investigate whether any
automatic surveillance devices recorded images of defendant and the victim. Detective Hill
spoke with the store manager, who operated the equipment and showed Detective Hill
surveillance footage of the front door and outside areas of the store taken on March 6, from
about 10:12 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. After Detective Hill viewed the footage, he called for a
police evidence technician, who came to the store and downloaded the footage viewed by
Detective Hill onto a CD. At the trial, Detective Hill testified that the recording played for
the jury was the same footage Detective Hill had viewed at the store. Furthermore, the parties
stipulated that the CD contained recorded footage that truly and accurately depicted the scene
on March 6, 2012, from approximately 10:12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; there had been no
tampering, editing, or deletion of the March 6 recorded footage; and a proper chain of
custody was maintained at all times.
¶ 55 The evidence showed that Detective Hill promptly sought the surveillance footage after
the shooting, the store manager retrieved from the store’s surveillance device the recorded
footage for the particular date and time frame requested by Detective Hill, the manager
showed Detective Hill the relevant footage, and the recording was downloaded to preserve
that evidence. Those facts were evidence that the store’s automatic surveillance recording
device was functional, able to record, and generally operating properly and that the store
manager knew how to operate the device. See Taylor, 2011 IL 110067, ¶ 39. Based on those
facts and the parties’ stipulation concerning the surveillance recording, the State provided
sufficient proof of the reliability of the process that produced the recording and thus laid a
sufficient foundation for its admission. Accordingly, we reject defendant’s claims of second
prong plain error and ineffective assistance of counsel concerning the admissibility of the
surveillance recording.
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¶ 56 Next, defendant argues that Detective Hill’s testimony regarding the contents of the
surveillance recording was inadmissible lay opinion identification testimony. Specifically,
defendant argues nothing in the record suggested Detective Hill had any familiarity with
defendant before or after the shooting, so there was no basis to conclude Detective Hill was
more likely to correctly identify defendant from the surveillance recording than the jury.
Defendant contends Detective Hill’s narration of the surveillance recording was not helpful
to either a clear understanding of his testimony or a determination of a fact in issue.
Defendant states that “the trial court did not engage in any precautionary procedures to
screen Detective Hill’s testimony before it was heard by the jury,” and thus a member of the
police improperly vouched for the State’s case by identifying defendant as being near the
scene of the shooting and interacting with the victim. Defendant contends this error likely
affected the way the jury viewed the recording and evaluated the eyewitnesses’ credibility
and, thus, denied him a fair trial.
¶ 57 The State responds that Detective Hill’s identification testimony was helpful to the jury
and thus admissible because defendant and the victim appeared in the recording briefly and
they were dressed in manner similar to numerous other men in the recording. Furthermore,
they were moving around, the recording was “somewhat grainy,” and the colors of people’s
clothing were “extremely muted.” The State contends Detective Hill was able to take his time
viewing the store surveillance footage and was able to identify the exact time frame in which
defendant and the victim were in that location and the directions they took after their
encounter. The State asserts Detective Hill’s prior viewings of the recording enabled him to
identify defendant and the victim in the recording in a more efficient manner than the jury
would have been able to do. The State contends it would have been an extremely inefficient
use of the jury’s and the court’s time to view the recording without Detective Hill’s helpful
identification testimony.
¶ 58 A lay witness may only testify to events of which he has personal knowledge. Ill. R.
Evid. 602 (eff. Jan. 1, 2011). Such testimony must be “(a) rationally based on the perception
of the witness, and (b) helpful to a clear understanding of the witness’ testimony or the
determination of a fact in issue, and (c) not based on scientific, technical, or other specialized
knowledge within the scope of Rule 702.” Ill. R. Evid. 701 (eff. Jan. 1, 2011). Further,
Illinois Rule of Evidence 704 (eff. Jan. 1, 2011) provides, “[t]estimony in the form of an
opinion or inference otherwise admissible is not objectionable because it embraces an
ultimate issue to be decided by the trier of fact.”
¶ 59 Lay witness identification testimony is admissible if “(a) the testimony was rationally
based on the perception of the witness and (b) the testimony is helpful to a clear
understanding of the witness’s testimony or a determination of a fact in issue.” People v.
Thompson, 2016 IL 118667, ¶ 50. Such “testimony is helpful where there is some basis for
concluding the witness is more likely to correctly identify the defendant from the
surveillance recording than the jury. A showing of sustained contact, intimate familiarity, or
special knowledge of the defendant is not required. Rather, the witness must only have had
contact with the defendant that the jury would not possess to achieve a level of familiarity
that renders the opinion helpful.” Id.¶ 60 To determine whether the testimony is helpful, courts view the totality of the
circumstances and consider “the witness’s general familiarity with the defendant; the
witnesses’ familiarity with the defendant at the time the recording was made or where the
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witness observed the defendant dressed in a manner similar to the individual depicted in the
recording; whether the defendant was disguised in the recording or changed his/her
appearance between the time of the recording and trial; and the clarity of the recording and
extent to which the individual is depicted. However, the absence of any particular factor does
not render the testimony inadmissible.” Id. ¶ 51. “[T]he extent of a witness’s opportunity to
observe the defendant goes to the weight of the testimony, not its admissibility.” Id. ¶ 53.
However, testimony admissible under the foregoing principles “may be excluded if its
probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.” (Internal
quotation marks omitted.) Id. ¶ 54.
¶ 61 Courts considering admitting the identification testimony of law enforcement officers
“should afford the defendant an opportunity to examine the officer outside the presence of
the jury” and “properly instruct the jury, before the testimony and in the final charge to the
jury, that it need not give any weight at all to such testimony and also that the jury is not to
draw any adverse inference from the fact the witness is a law enforcement officer if that fact
is disclosed.” Id. ¶ 59. These precautionary procedures will safeguard the defendant’s right to
cross-examine the officer concerning his familiarity with the defendant and any bias or
prejudice without revealing to the jury the defendant’s criminal record. Id. ¶¶ 57-59.
¶ 62 Here, although Detective Hill was not present at the store when the victim and Abdullah
encountered defendant and other people, Detective Hill’s testimony included narrating
portions of the recording in addition to identification testimony. Putting aside for the moment
Detective Hill’s identification testimony, we find that his perceptions did not need to be
based on the live event at the store because he was not providing an eyewitness account;
rather, his testimony was relevant to the scenes depicted in the recording. Consequently, he
needed to have perceived only the recording, and this testimony merely laid an evidentiary
foundation for admission of the surveillance recording. See id. ¶¶ 8, 61 (law enforcement
officer’s testimony describing the actions of “the subject” in the surveillance recording did
not identify the defendant as the individual depicted in the recording and thus was not lay
opinion identification testimony).
¶ 63 Detective Hill’s testimony concerning the interactions and movements of particular
subjects shown in the parking lot footage was helpful to the jury due to a certain lack of
clarity of the recording. Specifically, Detective Hill’s testimony helped the jury focus on the
relevant action because numerous people entered and exited the parking lot area, their faces
were too distant from the camera to be discernible, their outdoor winter clothing somewhat
concealed their identities, and the color of their clothing was muted. Compare United States
v. LaPierre, 998 F.2d 1460, 1465 (9th Cir. 1993) (law officer’s testimony identifying the
defendant as the individual pictured in the bank surveillance photographs was not helpful to
the jury because the officer had never seen the defendant in person and was familiar with his
appearance only through other photographs and witnesses’ descriptions), with United States
v. Begay, 42 F.3d 486, 502 (9th Cir. 1994) (law officer’s testimony narrating portions of a
video of a protest involving about 200 demonstrators and identifying the defendants’
movements helped the jury evaluate the recording where an array of events occurred
simultaneously and the officer spent over 100 hours viewing the recording).
¶ 64 The record, however, does not indicate that Detective Hill had any familiarity with
defendant beyond the eyewitness descriptions of what the shooter wore, eyewitness
statements that defendant was the shooter, and a photograph of defendant from police
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computer files. Nothing in the record indicates how long Detective Hill reviewed the
recording in order to discern defendant. The record also fails to show that Detective Hill had
any familiarity with the victim. Consequently, we find the record does not demonstrate a
basis that might lead one to conclude Detective Hill was more likely to correctly identify
defendant and the victim in the recording than the jury. Furthermore, Detective Hill provided
his identification testimony without the trial court first engaging in precautionary procedures
to safeguard defendant’s right to confrontation. Thompson, 2016 IL 118667, ¶¶ 62, 65 (the
trial court erred in admitting the identification testimony of law enforcement officers without
first engaging in precautionary measures). Thus, the admission of Detective Hill’s
identification testimony was error.
¶ 65 Nevertheless, we conclude that this error does not constitute plain error. Abdullah,
Kathleen, and Natasha saw defendant chase the victim on 79th Street and shoot him with the
gun defendant held in the hand of his extended arm, and Mayblelene heard gunshots and saw
defendant run toward her house and through a gangway holding a gun in his hand. All four
witnesses testified that they were familiar with defendant prior to the shooting. Detective
Hill’s identification testimony merely lent some support to Abdullah’s testimony about the
encounter between defendant and the victim at the store near the scene of the shooting
approximately 20 minutes before the shooting occurred. Moreover, Detective Hill’s
identification testimony went only to the identification of defendant at the nearby store; it did
not extend to the crime itself, which was outside the scope of the surveillance recording. Any
prejudice from the erroneous admission of Detective Hill’s identification testimony was not
so severe as to have denied defendant a fair trial.
¶ 66 Alternatively, defendant argues he was denied effective assistance of counsel because
counsel failed to preserve this error for review. As discussed in supra ¶¶ 46-47, in order to
establish a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, defendant must show that counsel’s
failure to object to the admission of Detective Hill’s identification testimony was objectively
unreasonable and resulted in prejudice to defendant. The record indicates the admission of
Detective Hill’s identification testimony from the surveillance recording supported the
defense strategy to attack the eyewitnesses’ testimony because the recording did not show a
fight between the victim and defendant, or between Abdullah and the woman who allegedly
spat on her, and the recording did not show Natasha at the scene of the store. Furthermore,
defendant cannot establish prejudice resulting from counsel’s decision not to challenge
Detective Hill’s identification testimony because the State simply could have admitted the
store parking lot identification testimony through Abdullah, who observed the parking lot
encounter between defendant and the victim and is shown in the surveillance recording.
¶ 67 We conclude defendant fails to demonstrate a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel
concerning Detective Hill’s identification testimony.
¶ 68 C. DNA Evidence
¶ 69 Defendant argues the trial court erred in admitting irrelevant DNA evidence that was
based on an only six-loci analysis of the major DNA profile found on the low-level sample
obtained from the watch and watch back recovered from the scene. Defendant argues the
evidence that his DNA could not be excluded from the major DNA profile was irrelevant
because the six-loci analysis is far less than what is generally accepted in the scientific
community for a match or even a partial match and DNA evidence plays “an outsized role in
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the minds of a jury evaluating a defendant’s case.” Defendant also argues that Ramos’s
statistical analysis was irrelevant and highly prejudicial because his testimony established
that it was more likely that an unrelated white male would be a contributor to the major
profile than a black male such as defendant. Furthermore, defendant contends the State
erroneously argued to the jury that the DNA affirmatively linked defendant to the crime
scene when the prosecutor used an analogy to quantify Ramos’s statistical analysis.
¶ 70 Defendant concedes he forfeited review of this issue and asks this court to review it under
the second prong of the plain error doctrine. Defendant argues the error in this case was
serious because jurors tend to place undue weight on DNA evidence and the prosecutor’s
characterization of the DNA evidence was misleading and improperly implied a match to
defendant even though Ramos’s analysis did not support that argument. Alternatively,
defendant argues trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the admission of the
DNA evidence on relevancy grounds or meaningfully challenge the reliability of Ramos’s
testimony and statistical analysis.
¶ 71 In order to determine whether the plain error doctrine should be applied, we must first
determine whether any error occurred. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d at 187. The decision whether
evidence is relevant and admissible is within the trial court’s discretion and will not be
reversed absent a clear abuse of discretion. People v. Morgan, 197 Ill. 2d 404, 456 (2001).
Relevant evidence is “evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is
of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it
would be without the evidence.” Ill. R. Evid. 401 (eff. Jan. 1, 2011). Relevant evidence may
be excluded as unduly prejudicial only where “its probative value is substantially outweighed
by the danger of unfair prejudice.” Ill. R. Evid. 403 (eff. Jan. 1, 2011).
¶ 72 DNA expert Ramos explained to the jury that 13 loci on the DNA molecule are used as a
basis of comparison between DNA samples and standards, but samples may be degraded due
to conditions like exposure to the elements and may not yield complete profiles when tested.
Ramos clearly testified that the major profile obtained from the low-level sample found on
the watch and watch back was not a complete profile. He also clearly testified that he could
not state whether defendant’s DNA matched the major profile because Ramos obtained
results at only 6 loci plus the location that indicates the sex of the person. Ramos testified
that based on the only 6-loci analysis, he could determine only that defendant could not be
excluded as a contributor to the major profile, which meant defendant was included in the
group of potential contributors. Ramos calculated the frequency which estimated the chance
a random person would be included as a contributor in that major DNA profile and found that
1 in 670,000 black, 1 in 580,000 white, or 1 in 6.1 million Hispanic unrelated individuals
could not be excluded as having contributed to that DNA profile.
¶ 73 We find no error when the trial court permitted Ramos to testify about the testing he
conducted and his conclusions. There is no Illinois authority to support the proposition that
DNA evidence is excludable as a matter of law based on the evidence being too inconclusive.
People v. Mitchell, 2011 IL App (1st) 083143, ¶ 35. This is true of DNA evidence
conclusions based upon only four or six loci. Id.; People v. Smith, 2012 IL App (1st) 102354,
¶ 75. Furthermore, DNA probability calculations have long been generally accepted and
admissible, and any challenge to their reliability usually goes only to the weight to be given
to the evidence. People v. Pike, 2016 IL App (1st) 122626, ¶ 48.
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¶ 74 The instant case involved a DNA sample containing a mixture interpreted as the DNA of
two people. The DNA Advisory Board has endorsed two methods for calculating statistical
ratios in cases of mixed DNA samples: (1) the combined probability of inclusion (or its
reverse, the combined probability of exclusion) or (2) the likelihood ratio calculation. Id.
¶ 55. Ramos’s testimony giving the probability of inclusion/exclusion regarding the mixture
of DNA profiles on the watch and watch back was relevant where it corroborated the
eyewitnesses’ identifications that defendant shot the victim. See id. ¶ 71. Natasha, Kathleen,
and Abdullah identified defendant as the individual who shot the victim, and Mayblelene
identified defendant as the person she observed run from the scene of the shooting with a gun
in his hand.
¶ 75 Defendant also asserts the State erroneously argued to the jury that the DNA
affirmatively linked defendant to the crime scene when the prosecutor attempted to quantify
Ramos’s statistics with an analogy to the amount of people that could fit in the United Center
and claimed that because only 1 in 670,000 black males could not be excluded as a
contributor of the DNA profile collected from the watch and watch back, it was unlikely that
anyone but defendant could be the shooter.
¶ 76 According to the record, the challenged argument of the prosecutor was as follows:
“The DNA. I want to put this in perspective. This is a chance of one in 670,000.
Not one in fourteen. Not one in ten. One in 670,000. So let’s put this in perspective.
The United Center can fit and hold about 20,000 people. That’s a big building for
basketball games, hockey games, it’s huge. Take the size of the United Center and
multiply that not by one, not by two, but by about 33 sizes of the United Center. Fill
that enormous space with 670,000 male blacks. You have a chance of picking one out
of there that cannot be excluded from having their DNA on the watch. One. And
what’s the chance that that one person is [defendant]? What’s the chance that that one
person is who Natasha and Kathleen say, ‘I saw him shoot [the victim] in cold
blood?’ What’s the chance that one person is the same person who [Abdulla] said had
a confrontation with [the victim]? What’s the chance that one person is the same
person who [Mayblelene] said, ‘I saw him running from the scene right after the shots
with what I believe to be [a] gun in his hand?’ What’s the chance that that DNA came
back that he cannot be excluded? And he had on a purple hoodie and a purple tag was
left right there on the crime scene.
You know [the victim] was out there because that’s where he died. And he
positively can be excluded. He can be excluded. It’s not his DNA on the watch
anywhere. Had he not been there, then no exclusion can happen. Had he [defendant]
not been there, he should have been excluded.”
At this point, the trial court sustained the defense’s objection and instructed the jurors to
disregard any misstatement of facts or law by the attorney and to use their own recollection
of the evidence presented. The prosecutor continued:
“The defendant’s DNA cannot be excluded and [the victim] can. What’s the
chance that it would go with everything the witnesses told you?”
¶ 77 Our review of the record establishes that the State’s argument concerning the DNA
evidence was neither inaccurate nor misleading. Contrary to defendant’s implied argument,
the State did not advance an argument that conflated the evidence concerning the probability
of defendant’s inclusion/exclusion with the probability that defendant was the source of the
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DNA sample. The prosecutor’s United Center analogy did not advance an argument about
the probability that defendant in a crowd of 670,000 black males would be the single source
of the DNA. See id. ¶¶ 61-63 (discussing the prosecutor’s fallacy). The State did not argue
that out of 670,000 black males, one individual would be a match to the DNA sample. The
State simply attempted to give the jury a visual image of what 670,000 people would look
like as they considered the evidence that 1 in 670,000 black males could be included as a
contributor to the profile found on the watch and watch back.
¶ 78 As defendant’s argument has no merit, we need not address the issue of whether his
counsel was ineffective for failing to object to Ramos’s testimony and the prosecutor’s
analogy during closing argument. Furthermore, the record refutes defendant’s assertion that
defense counsel failed to meaningfully challenge the reliability of the DNA evidence and
statistical analysis. Defense counsel’s extensive cross-examination of Ramos and closing
argument emphasized the implications of the 6-loci limitation of the DNA evidence.
¶ 79 D. Sentencing
¶ 80 First, defendant argues that the additional 45-year sentence imposed pursuant to the
statutory firearm sentencing enhancement should be vacated because the statute is
unconstitutionally vague where it provides no objective criteria upon which the trial court
could rely when imposing a sentence and instead encourages an arbitrary and discriminatory
enforcement of the law. This court has reviewed these very same arguments and determined
that the 25 years to natural life sentence enhancement is not unconstitutionally vague. People
v. Sharp, 2015 IL App (1st) 130438; People v. Butler, 2013 IL App (1st) 120923. We
continue to follow Sharp and Butler and hold that the statutory firearm sentencing
enhancement is not unconstitutionally vague.
¶ 81 Next, defendant argues the trial court abused its discretion by imposing an excessive
sentence of 45-years’ imprisonment for murder and an additional consecutive 45-year term
because he personally discharged the firearm that cause the victim’s death. A trial court
maintains broad discretion in determining the appropriate sentence for a particular defendant,
and its decision will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion. People v. Patterson, 217
Ill. 2d 407, 448 (2005). If the sentence imposed is within the statutory range, it will not be
deemed excessive unless it is greatly at variance with the spirit and purpose of the law or is
manifestly disproportionate to the nature of the offense. People v. Fern, 189 Ill. 2d 48, 54
(1999).
¶ 82 At sentencing, two members of the victim’s family read victim impact statements, and
the State presented certified copies of defendant’s prior convictions for aggravated unlawful
use of a weapon and armed robbery. The prosecutor argued that defendant caused “terror”
and did not support his child, whose mother worked to pay the bills. The prosecutor asserted
that defendant could not be rehabilitated and asked for a life sentence. For the defense,
members of defendant’s family testified that defendant was attending nursing school and had
difficulty with the departure of his father, who had a drug problem and left when defendant
was young. Defendant asked for mercy but maintained his innocence.
¶ 83 The trial judge stated that defendant thought of no one but himself, did not consider the
devastation his actions would inflict on his family and the victim’s family, and had no
justification for his actions. The judge noted that defendant’s criminal history from juvenile
to the adult cases had “gotten progressively worse” from drugs, to gun use, to armed robbery,
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and now murder. When defendant verbally protested, the judge noted that defendant’s actions
in court showed his lack of accountability, responsibility and respectability, his selfish
nature, his lack of acknowledgment of his record, and his continued disregard for humanity.
¶ 84 The record clearly indicates the trial court properly considered the retributive and
rehabilitative factors, seriousness of the offense, likelihood of restoring the defendant to
useful citizenship, as well as mitigating evidence and testimony. The trial court’s 45-year
sentence for murder fell within the 20 to 60 year statutory sentencing range for which
defendant was eligible. 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-20 (West 2012). Further, the trial court’s
consecutive 45-year sentence based upon defendant personally discharging the firearm that
killed the victim also fell within the 25 years to natural life statutory range for which he was
eligible. 730 ILCS 5/5-8-1(a)(1)(d)(iii) (West 2012). We therefore conclude that the trial
court properly imposed a sentence proportionate to the nature of the offense and that the
factors considered did not render this sentence arbitrary.
¶ 85 Finally, defendant contends and the State agrees that the mittimus should be corrected to
reflect a single conviction of murder and a 90-year term of imprisonment. We order the
mittimus corrected to reflect one conviction of knowing and intentional first degree murder
pursuant to section 9-1(a)(1) of the Criminal Code of 2012 (720 ILCS 5/9-1(a)(1) (West
2012)). People v. Cardona, 158 Ill. 2d 403, 411 (1994) (the most serious murder charge is
upheld and sentence is imposed on that count).
¶ 86 III. CONCLUSION
¶ 87 For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the trial court and direct the clerk of
the circuit court to correct the mittimus to reflect one conviction of murder and a 90-year
term of imprisonment.
¶ 88 Affirmed; mittimus corrected.
¶ 89 JUSTICE HALL specially concurring.
¶ 90 I agree with the majority’s conclusion that the defendant failed to meet his burden of
showing that the trial court’s noncompliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 431(b) (eff.
July 1, 2012) affected the fairness of his trial and challenged the integrity of the judicial
process. However, I write separately because I believe the majority both misapprehended the
relevant issue before our court and the applicable standard of review.
¶ 91 The majority determined that no abuse of discretion resulted from the trial court’s
conclusion that the voir dire of prospective juror L.L. demonstrated that she did not
understand English and thus was competent to serve as a juror. The defendant asserts that he
was denied his due process right to a fair and impartial jury when the trial court failed to
conduct a Rule 431(b) inquiry into juror L.L.’s lack of understanding of the second Zehr
principle. Since defendant’s claim of error concerns the interpretation of a supreme court
rule, the applicable standard of review is de novo, not abuse of discretion. See People v.
Suarez, 224 Ill. 2d 37, 41-42 (2007); People v. Wrencher, 2011 IL App (4th) 080619,
¶¶ 36-37. Moreover, in regard to Rule 431(b), the primary issue on appeal was not whether
prospective juror L.L. understood English or whether the trial court should have inquired into
her understanding of the English language. The primary issue was whether the trial court
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committed plain error under the second prong of plain error review by failing to inquire
further after L.L. indicated she did not understand the second principle of Rule 431(b), that
before a defendant can be convicted of a criminal offense, the prosecution must prove him or
her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution must prove every element of the
offense charged beyond a reasonable doubt. In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 361 (1970).
¶ 92 The majority does not point to any exchange in the record between L.L. and the trial
court or defense counsel demonstrating that L.L.’s confusion about such a fundamental legal
concept as proving a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt was ever resolved or settled
as required by Rule 431(b). The Rule “requires questioning on whether the potential jurors
both understand and accept each of the enumerated principles.” People v. Thompson, 238 Ill.
2d 598, 607 (2010).
¶ 93 The dissenting opinion in Thompson, authored by Justice Burke and joined by Justice
Freeman, pointed out that the rationale for imposing this duty on trial courts is that only by
asking these questions can any hidden biases that a potential juror might harbor be uncovered
and that in the absence of such questions the defendant would be deprived of “ ‘his right to a
fair and impartial jury.’ ” (Emphasis omitted.) Thompson, 238 Ill. 2d 598, 617 (Burke, J.
dissenting, joined by Freeman, J.) (quoting People v. Zehr, 103 Ill. 2d 472, 477 (1984)). Like
the supreme court in Zehr and the dissenting justices in Thompson, I believe it is vital to the
selection of a fair and impartial jury that a juror who finds that the State has failed to sustain
its burden of proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt have no prejudices against returning a
verdict of not guilty. Zehr, 103 Ill. 2d at 477. I also agree that it is equally important that a
juror who finds that the State has sustained its burden of proof have no prejudice against
returning a verdict of guilty. Id. Understanding and acceptance of the second principle in
Rule 431(b) helps ensure that both of these goals are accomplished.
¶ 94 Since the Thompson decision, the supreme court has rejected the conclusion that a failure
to ask questions which are not only mandated by this court but which are “vital to the
selection of a fair and impartial jury” necessarily amounts to plain error. (Internal quotation
marks omitted.) Thompson, 238 Ill. 2d at 619. While I believe Justice Burke’s dissenting
opinion in Thompson states the better rule, I am compelled to follow the majority opinion in
that case.
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