An involuntary manslaughter instruction should be given when there is some credible evidence in the record that would reduce the crime of first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter. People v. DiVincenzo, No. 82942, slip op. Where some evidence supports the instruction, the circuit court' s failure to give the instruction constitutes an abuse of discretion. DiVincenzo, No. 82942, slip op. Whether an involuntary manslaughter instruction is warranted in any given case turns on the particular facts and circumstances.
Involuntary manslaughter requires a less culpable mental state than first-degree murder.
DiVincenzo, No. 82942, slip op. Under the relevant provisions of the Illinois Criminal Code of 1961, as they existed in 1983, murder required proof that defendant intended to kill or do great bodily harm, or knew that such acts created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. In contrast, involuntary manslaughter required proof that defendant's actions, though not intended to kill an individual, were nevertheless likely to cause death or great bodily harm to some individual and were performed recklessly. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch.