Opinion ID: 2015103
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Invalid Death Eligibility Factor

Text: Defendant contends that the jury found him eligible for the death penalty based on an invalid aggravating factor. The record shows that the jury was instructed that it could find defendant eligible for the death penalty if defendant committed the murder in the course of another felony, specifically, if the other felony was one or more of the following: robbery; aggravated kidnapping. The State introduced as evidence the signed general verdict of guilty on the two counts of robbery of the victim's car and watch, in addition to the general verdicts of guilty of aggravated kidnapping and first degree murder. The jury returned a general verdict stating, We unanimously find beyond a reasonable doubt that the statutory aggravating factor exists. Defendant earlier challenged his conviction of robbery of the victim's watch based on the sufficiency of the evidence. Continuing this claim, defendant now argues that the jury may have relied solely on this insufficient ground. The record shows that defendant did not include this claim in his post-trial motion; thus the issue is waived. People v. Easley, 148 Ill.2d 281, 337, 170 Ill.Dec. 356, 592 N.E.2d 1036 (1992); People v. Young, 128 Ill.2d 1, 38-40, 58, 131 Ill.Dec. 86, 538 N.E.2d 461 (1989). Further, defendant cannot be heard to complain of the general verdict of eligibility because it was defense counsel who tendered the verdict form. See People v. Smith, 71 Ill.2d 95, 104, 15 Ill.Dec. 864, 374 N.E.2d 472 (1978).