Court Opinion

ID: 3175366
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-02-05 23:10:21.368985+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:18:21.761867
License: Public Domain

NOTICE
                                     2016 IL App (5th) 130341-B
 Decision filed 02/05/16.   The
 text of this decision may be              NO. 5-13-0341
 changed or corrected prior to
 the filing of a Peti ion for
 Rehearing or the disposition of               IN THE
 the same.

                                   APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

                            FIFTH DISTRICT
________________________________________________________________________

In re D.L.H., JR., a Minor            ) Appeal from the
                                      ) Circuit Court of
(The People of the State of Illinois, ) St. Clair County.
                                      )
      Petitioner-Appellee,            )
                                      )
v.                                    ) No. 12-JD-235
                                      )
D.L.H., Jr.,                          ) Honorable
                                      ) Walter C. Brandon, Jr.,
      Respondent-Appellant).          ) Judge, presiding.
________________________________________________________________________

      JUSTICE GOLDENHERSH delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
      Presiding Justice Schwarm and Justice Chapman concurred in the judgment and
opinion.

                                          OPINION

¶1       This case originated after the State filed a petition for adjudication of wardship in

the circuit court of St. Clair County, alleging respondent, D.L.H., Jr., age 9, committed

first degree murder by repeatedly striking 14-month-old T.W. about the head (720 ILCS

5/9-1(a)(2) (West 2012)). The circuit court found respondent unfit to stand trial and in a

later discharge hearing found respondent "not not guilty" of murder. The circuit court

remanded respondent to the Department of Human Services (the Department) for fitness

restoration for the maximum period of up to five years so that respondent may become fit
                                           1
and be tried for murder. Respondent appealed, arguing inter alia that the circuit court

erred in denying his motion to suppress two statements he made to police.              In an

unpublished order, we found both statements involuntary, and we reversed and remanded

for a new discharge hearing. In re D.L.H., 2013 IL App (5th) 130341-U. We also found

the other issues raised by respondent outside of the suppression issues were not likely to

recur upon remand, and, therefore, did not address the other issues raised by respondent.

In re D.L.H., 2013 IL App (5th) 130341-U, ¶ 42.

¶2     The State filed a petition for leave to appeal, which our supreme court granted. In

re D.L.H., No. 117341, 5 N.E.3d 1123 (table) (Ill. Mar. 18, 2014). Ultimately, the court

determined the first statement was voluntary, but the second was not. The supreme court

affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded with directions for us to conduct a

harmless error analysis with regard to the second statement and "to consider any other

claims of error previously raised but not decided that are necessary to the proper

disposition of this case." In re D.L.H., 2015 IL 117341, ¶ 81, 32 N.E.3d 1075.

¶3     Considering the passage of time, we provided the parties an opportunity to file

supplemental briefs addressing claims of error previously raised but not decided which

may be deemed necessary to the proper disposition of this case. In his brief, respondent

raises the following issues: (1) whether the erroneous admission of his second statement

to police was harmless error; and (2) whether the evidence was sufficient to support the

not not guilty finding. The State filed a reply brief and later filed a motion to strike from

respondent's supplemental brief a new argument which the State claims was not

                                             2
previously raised in this court and would be outside the mandate of our supreme court's

order remanding this case to us. We deny the State's motion to strike.

¶4                                 BACKGROUND

¶5    The facts of this case have previously been recited both by this court and our

supreme court, and we borrow liberally from those statements of fact. The case began

when the State filed a petition for adjudication of wardship which alleged respondent

committed first degree murder of T.W. by repeatedly striking him in the head.

Respondent's mother died when he was three years old. He lived with his father, David,

and David's girlfriend, Melissa, in Cahokia.     Additional members of the household

included David and Melissa's 9-month-old son, Daveon, Melissa's 11-year-old son, Dre,

Melissa's cousin, Alisha, and her three sons, Todd, Tymerian, and T.W.

¶6    An ambulance was called to the family home in the early morning hours of August

23, 2012, after T.W. was found unresponsive. He was admitted to Cardinal Glennon

Hospital in St. Louis for nonaccidental injuries. T.W. died on August 26, 2012, after

being removed from life support.       Two days later the State filed a petition for

adjudication of wardship.

¶7    The circuit court appointed counsel for respondent and ordered a psychological

evaluation. Dr. Daniel Cuneo, a clinical psychologist, performed an evaluation. Dr.

Cuneo determined that respondent is borderline mentally retarded with an IQ of 78, he is

in the bottom 5% of the nation intellectually, and both his short-term and long-term

memory are impaired. Dr. Cuneo opined respondent was unfit for trial and there was not

                                            3
a substantial probability he would be able to attain fitness within a year. Dr. Cuneo's

opinion was based upon respondent's age, his cognitive and developmental immaturity,

and his borderline intellectual functioning. Dr. Cuneo estimated respondent's cognitive

abilities as those of a seven- or eight-year-old who was unable to grasp the adversarial

nature of the proceedings against him and could not assist in his own defense. Dr. Cuneo

diagnosed respondent with depression and said he would benefit from inpatient

psychiatric treatment and possibly medication. Dr. Cuneo surmised that respondent is the

scapegoat in his family because he is blamed for all the difficulties the family

experiences. Dr. Cuneo estimated it is possible respondent could be restored to fitness

within five years because as respondent gets older his abstract thinking should improve.

Ultimately, the circuit court found respondent unfit to stand trial with no reasonable

probability he would be restored to fitness within one year. See 725 ILCS 5/104-16(d)

(West 2012).

¶8     On November 15, 2012, the trial court granted respondent's motion for

appointment of a guardian ad litem after respondent's father was arrested for child

endangerment in connection with the events leading to the death of T.W. Respondent

was subsequently placed with an aunt. The Department later recommended respondent

be placed with Streamwood Behavior Healthcare System. After being placed in that

facility, respondent was evaluated for possible commitment under the Mental Health and

Developmental Disabilities Code. See 725 ILCS 5/104-23(b)(3) (West 2012). After the

evaluation concluded respondent was not a danger to himself or to others and did not

meet the criteria for civil commitment, the trial court returned respondent to his aunt and
                                             4
ordered respondent's counsel to provide the court with an outpatient fitness restoration

plan, mental health services, and a schooling plan.

¶9     The trial court also granted the State's motion for a discharge hearing. Prior to the

hearing, respondent filed a motion to suppress all statements he made to "anyone" during

the investigation of T.W.'s injuries. In an amended motion, respondent focused on two

statements he made to Detective Sean Adams of the Cahokia police department. After a

hearing, the trial court denied respondent's motion to suppress, finding respondent was

not in custody at the time of police questioning, he voluntarily waived his Miranda rights,

and his statements were voluntary.

¶ 10   A discharge hearing, previously scheduled for March 27, 2013, was continued on

the guardian ad litem's motion to have Dr. Cuneo examine respondent as to his sanity at

the time of the offense. See 720 ILCS 5/6-2 (West 2012). After examining respondent,

Dr. Cuneo explained that he was legally sane at the time of the offense and was able to

"appreciate the wrongfulness of severely beating a 14-month-old" and that "beating a

child could cause the child's death." During the interview, respondent told Dr. Cuneo that

Dre hit T.W. and threw him against a wall and ordered respondent to hit the baby. When

respondent refused, Dre hit respondent in the face, so respondent hit T.W. one time out of

fear that if he failed to do so, Dre would hit respondent again.

¶ 11   On May 22, 2013, the cause proceeded to a discharge hearing. Witnesses included

Tara Welch, a physical therapist assistant, who visited the home on the afternoon of

August 22, 2012, and found T.W. to be "happy" and "fine" with no apparent injuries.

                                              5
Edna Norman, a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) caseworker,

testified that she interviewed respondent on August 23, 2012. During that interview,

respondent admitted he had been alone in the playroom with T.W. the previous evening

and he punched T.W. twice in the head and once in the side to try to stop him from

crying. Respondent said T.W. threw up "some white stuff" after being struck in the side

and then stopped crying. Respondent then carried him in a bedroom and placed him on

the bed.

¶ 12   Edna also testified she noticed Todd's lip "seemed a little swollen," and when she

asked respondent what happened to Todd, respondent admitted he also punched Todd the

previous evening. Edna testified when she interviewed Dre, he said he was in the master

bedroom with Todd and Tymerian, and after seeing respondent carry T.W. into an

adjacent bedroom, he checked on T.W. and saw T.W.'s stomach "jumping."

¶ 13   At the discharge hearing, Dre blamed respondent for T.W.'s injuries. Dre testified

the children were all left home without adult supervision. He was in the master bedroom

when he heard a "boom, boom" that "sounded like somebody was hitting the wall." After

hearing another "boom, boom" sound, Dre checked on T.W. and it seemed "like he was

dead or something." Dre brought respondent into the master bedroom and called his

mother, who made him talk to Alisha. When he told Alisha he thought something was

wrong with T.W., she indicated that she would be home soon. Dre testified the adults

failed to arrive until approximately 90 minutes later. During this time, T.W. was on the

bed making "funny noises" that sounded "like he was hurt or something." T.W.'s fists

were also "balled up" and his "stomach was going in and out." Dre testified that even
                                         6
after the adults arrived home, no one immediately checked on T.W., but instead went to

bed.

¶ 14   Dre admitted he did not see anybody hit T.W. on the night in question and that he

previously lied about the children being left unattended because he did not want his

mother to get into trouble. He also admitted he lied in a statement he gave to the Child

Advocacy Center by indicating that "Fatty" and "Pooh" were at the house on the night

T.W. was injured. Dre explained his mother told him to say that Fatty and Pooh, two

people who used to live around the corner, were at the house. Respondent and his father,

David, were in the car when his mother coached him. Dre also explained that David told

him not to say respondent hit T.W. because nobody knew who did.               On cross-

examination, Dre testified about a previous head injury to T.W. caused by Fatty. Dre

said Fatty was holding T.W. in the air when the baby fell from his hand. Dre saw T.W.

hit the top of his head on a table and begin to cry.

¶ 15   Melissa's stepmother, Joyce, testified that on the night in question, Melissa,

Alisha, David, and Daveon stopped by her apartment. She confirmed that Dre called to

tell Alisha and Melissa that respondent hit T.W. She said everyone left shortly after the

call. Joyce testified Melissa later called her to tell her something was wrong with T.W.

Melissa later stopped by her apartment accompanied by David, Dre, and respondent.

Joyce asked respondent if he hit T.W., and respondent admitted he did. Joyce said

respondent did not indicate anyone else hit T.W.

                                              7
¶ 16   Detective Sean Adams of the Cahokia police department interviewed respondent

on August 24 and 26, 2012. Both interviews occurred in the kitchen of the house where

respondent lived. He read respondent his Miranda rights before the first interview.

When asked to initial the document, respondent instead signed his name. Respondent

indicated at the second interview that he still understood his Miranda rights. His father

was present at both interviews, but no attorney was present at either interview. Over

respondent's objection, both video recordings of the interviews were admitted and played

for the court.

¶ 17   In the first interview, respondent denied hitting T.W. and implicated Dre. He also

admitted that he told the DCFS caseworker, "I did it." However, he explained the reason

he admitted he hit T.W. was only because he was afraid his father and the other adults

would go to jail. Respondent agreed with Adams that he made a mistake when he told

the DCFS worker he hit T.W. and only did so because he was trying to make sure nobody

got in trouble and added he was scared "cause I thought I was gonna get tooken away."

¶ 18   In the second interview, respondent again implicated Dre, but after Adams

repeatedly assured him no consequences would attach to an admission and that any injury

was simply an accident, respondent finally admitted to hitting T.W. once in the head.

¶ 19   The State's final witness was Dr. Jennifer Forsyth, who performed the autopsy on

T.W. on August 27, 2012. Even though the discharge hearing was being conducted

nearly nine months after the autopsy was completed, no autopsy report was yet available

and the death certificate was not yet certified. Dr. Forsyth testified the cause of death

                                            8
was a closed head injury and the death was a homicide caused by "diffuse axonal injury"

(trauma throughout the brain) and "cerebral edema" (brain swelling). According to Dr.

Forsyth, a person with this type of injury would quickly become lethargic, nonresponsive,

and limp, and could suffer seizures. Vomiting and flexing of the hands into a fist are also

associated with such an injury. Although T.W.'s injuries were consistent with injuries

that could have been sustained on August 22, 2012, Dr. Forsyth admitted it was not

possible to determine exactly when or how T.W.'s injuries were inflicted or whether he

was shaken. Dr. Forsyth said she did not observe any injury below the neck either at the

autopsy or microscopically.

¶ 20   The State argued in closing that respondent was solely responsible for T.W.'s

injuries, but even if the court believed Dre was involved, respondent's admission to

Detective Adams during the second interview that he hit T.W. in the head once was

sufficient to meet the State's burden to prove first degree murder under an accountability

theory.

¶ 21   On June 5, 2013, the trial court entered an order finding (1) respondent not not

guilty of first degree murder and (2) the treatment period for fitness restoration may be

extended to the maximum statutory period of five years. Respondent appealed, arguing

"(1) the trial court erred in denying his amended motion to suppress statements, (2) the

trial court erred in allowing Dr. Forsyth to testify as an expert witness, (3) the trial court

erred in finding him not not guilty of first-degree murder, and (4) he was prejudiced by

the unavailability of T.W.'s death certificate and autopsy report." In re D.L.H., 2013 IL

App (5th) 130341-U, ¶ 29. We reversed and remanded on the basis that the trial court's
                                        9
findings that respondent voluntarily waived his Miranda rights and his statements to

Detective Adams were voluntary were against the manifest weight of the evidence. We

chose not to address the other issues raised by respondent because we found the issues

were not likely to occur upon remand.

¶ 22   Our supreme court granted the State's petition for leave to appeal. On appeal, that

court determined the first statement was voluntary, but the second was not. Accordingly,

the court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded with directions for us to

conduct a harmless error analysis with regard to the second statement and "to consider

any other claims of error previously raised but not decided that are necessary to the

proper disposition of this case." In re D.L.H., 2015 IL 117341, ¶ 81, 32 N.E.3d 1075.

¶ 23                                    ANALYSIS

¶ 24                                I. Harmless Error

¶ 25   The first issue is whether the admission of respondent's second statement to police

was harmless error. Respondent contends the admission of the second statement was not

harmless error because it was the only evidence that was not retracted or did not have

serious credibility issues that supported the finding that respondent inflicted the harm that

caused T.W.'s death. Respondent insists the other evidence was so compromised and

underwhelming there is no way we can find that respondent's admission to Detective

Adams that he hit T.W. once in the head did not contribute to the finding of not not

guilty. The State responds the second statement to the police was harmless error because

                                             10
it was cumulative of other competent evidence of guilt, including inculpatory statements

respondent made to a DCFS caseworker, Edna Norman, and Melissa's stepmother, Joyce.

¶ 26   In order for an error to be harmless, a reviewing court must be satisfied beyond a

reasonable doubt that the error did not contribute to the defendant's conviction. Chapman

v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 24 (1967). In determining whether error is harmless, the State

bears the burden of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that the trial court's error did

not contribute to the verdict obtained. People v. Patterson, 217 Ill. 2d 407, 428, 841

N.E.2d 889, 901 (2005). Three approaches are used in determining whether an error is

harmless: (1) whether the error might have contributed to the conviction; (2) whether

other properly admitted evidence overwhelmingly supports the conviction; and (3)

whether the improperly admitted evidence is merely cumulative or duplicates properly

admitted evidence. Patterson, 217 Ill. 2d at 428, 841 N.E.2d at 902.

¶ 27   "[A] confession is the most powerful piece of evidence the State can offer, and its

effect on [the trier of fact] is incalculable." People v. R.C., 108 Ill. 2d 349, 356, 483

N.E.2d 1241, 1245 (1985). Because confessions carry extremely probative weight, the

admission of an unlawfully obtained confession is rarely harmless error. People v. St.

Pierre, 122 Ill. 2d 95, 114, 522 N.E.2d 61, 69 (1988). In the instant case, we cannot

conclude respondent's confession in the second statement did not have an impact upon

the determination of the trial court.

¶ 28   We agree with respondent that apart from the confession in the second statement,

the evidence against respondent is not overwhelming. The State relied heavily on the

                                            11
testimony of Edna Norman, a DCFS caseworker, who interviewed respondent the day

T.W. was admitted to the hospital. She testified respondent admitted he punched T.W.

twice in the head and once in the side the previous evening. However, during his first

interview with Detective Adams, respondent denied hitting T.W. and explained he lied to

the DCFS caseworker when he told her he hit T.W. He said he lied because he was

trying to protect his father and other adults who left five children, age 11 and under,

home alone while the adults went out for the evening. Respondent did not want to see his

father or the other adults go to jail.

¶ 29   The State also relied on the testimony of Melissa's stepmother, Joyce, who

testified she asked respondent whether he hit T.W. and respondent admitted he did.

Joyce did not testify to any details about the alleged hitting, but merely submitted that

respondent admitted he hit T.W. on the night in question. However, it is important to

note that Joyce and respondent are not related. As Melissa's stepmother, she is Dre's

grandmother. Therefore, her testimony is somewhat suspect as she would be more

inclined to protect Dre over respondent. Her testimony is even more suspect considering

the fact that several credible sources, including Dr. Cuneo, believe respondent is the

family's scapegoat.

¶ 30   Furthermore, the medical evidence in this case is weak. There were very few

visible injuries to T.W. at the time of the autopsy. Dr. Forsyth specifically testified it was

impossible to determine when or how T.W.'s injuries were inflicted or whether or not

T.W. was shaken. Under these circumstances, we cannot say the properly admitted

evidence overwhelmingly supports the trial court's not not guilty finding.
                                           12
¶ 31   Finally, not only was the second statement wrongfully admitted into evidence, but

it was specifically relied upon by the State during closing argument as follows:

              "I would submit to you that the evidence shows that [respondent] is solely

       responsible. But if the court does entertain the possibility that [Dre] was involved,

       the minor, himself, admits to accountability, being involved. Accountability under

       Illinois law is aid, abet, assist during or before the commission of the offense in

       any way. And so even the admission that he hit the baby in the side while the

       baby was in the back play room is enough for the People to meet the burden that

       he assisted in the beating of [T.W.].

              That−again, I want to let the [c]ourt know, that's not what we believe the

       evidence shows. But if you believe solely the minor's own account of events,

       which we believe that has−that credibility has been challenged, but if you believe

       solely that, the [c]ourt must still find there's sufficient evidence to prove guilty

       beyond a reasonable doubt."

In light of these comments made during closing argument, we cannot say the improper

admission of respondent's second statement was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.

¶ 32   Because the evidence against respondent is not overwhelming and the second

statement was the basis for the State's accountability argument, we find admission of the

second statement constitutes reversible error. We, therefore, remand for a new discharge

hearing. The new discharge hearing should be conducted without use of the second

statement.

                                               13
¶ 33                                  II. Other Issues

¶ 34      Our supreme court has also directed us "to consider any other claims of error

previously raised but not decided that are necessary to the proper disposition of this

case." In re D.L.H., 2015 IL 117341, ¶ 81, 32 N.E.3d 1075. Respondent again asserts

the evidence was insufficient to support the finding of not not guilty of first degree

murder. While we admit we are not overwhelmed with either the medical evidence or the

evidence of intent, we cannot say the trial court erred in finding the respondent not not

guilty.

¶ 35      When presented with a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, a reviewing

court's function is not to retry a defendant. People v. Givens, 237 Ill. 2d 311, 334, 934

N.E.2d 470, 484 (2010). Rather, we must consider " 'whether, after viewing the evidence

in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found

the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.' " (Emphasis in original.)

People v. Davison, 233 Ill. 2d 30, 43, 906 N.E.2d 545, 553 (2009) (quoting Jackson v.

Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979)). Under this standard, a reviewing court must draw

all reasonable inferences from the record in the State's favor. Davison, 233 Ill. 2d at 43,

906 N.E.2d at 553.

¶ 36      At the time of T.W.'s death, respondent was a nine-year-old child with a low IQ

who, by many accounts, including Dr. Cuneo's, served as the family's scapegoat.

Considering respondent's age, his lack of maturity, and the family dynamics involved in

this case, we cannot help but question whether respondent could form the necessary

                                             14
intent to be convicted of first degree murder. However, we also cannot ignore Dr.

Cuneo's examination which revealed respondent was legally sane at the time of the

offense and was able to "appreciate the wrongfulness of severely beating a 14-month-

old," as well as the fact that Dr. Cuneo believed respondent was aware that such a beating

could cause death. Nor can we ignore the fact that T.W. died from nonaccidental injuries

and, according to Dr. Forsyth, his injuries were consistent with injuries that could have

been inflicted the day before T.W. was admitted to the hospital. Therefore, after viewing

the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we cannot say no rational trier of

fact could have found respondent not not guilty.

¶ 37   Another previously raised issue likely to appear upon remand is whether Dr.

Forsyth is qualified to testify as an expert. Respondent contends Dr. Forsyth is not

qualified to testify as an expert. We disagree.

¶ 38   In People v. Lovejoy, 235 Ill. 2d 97, 919 N.E.2d 843 (2009), our supreme court

specifically stated:

              "The decision to qualify a witness as an expert rests within the sound

       discretion of the trial court. [Citation.] We will find an abuse of discretion only

       where the trial court's decision is arbitrary, fanciful, or unreasonable, such that no

       reasonable person would take the view adopted by the trial court. [Citation.] A

       person can be permitted to testify as an expert if that person's experience and

       qualifications afford him or her knowledge that is not common to the average

       layperson and will assist the jury in evaluating the evidence and reaching a

                                             15
          conclusion. [Citation.] There are no precise requirements regarding experience,

          education, scientific study, or training. [Citation.]" Lovejoy, 235 Ill. 2d at 125,

          919 N.E.2d at 858-59.

Here, we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in accepting Dr. Forsyth as an

expert.

¶ 39      Dr. Forsyth is a board-certified pathologist whose experience and qualifications

give her knowledge beyond what is common to any layperson. Respondent's arguments

concerning Dr. Forsyth's limited background in pediatric forensic pathology at the time

she performed the autopsy on T.W. reflect the weight to be afforded her testimony rather

than its admissibility. On remand, questions regarding Dr. Forsyth's lack of expertise in

pediatric pathology go toward the question of reliability of her testimony and can be

properly considered by the trial court in determining what weight to give her testimony;

however, respondent has failed to convince us that Dr. Forsyth's testimony should be

excluded. Finally, we note the problems presented by lack of a death certificate and

autopsy report should be cured upon remand, as surely by now both are available.

¶ 40                                   CONCLUSION

¶ 41      For the foregoing reasons, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand with

directions for the trial court to conduct a new discharge hearing without use of

respondent's second statement to Detective Adams. We have carefully considered the

directions of our supreme court to address not only the harmless error issue, but other

claims previously raised but not decided. We note that any other issues raised which we

                                              16
have not addressed are not likely to occur on remand and, thus, we need not to address

them herein.

¶ 42   Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded with directions.

                                            17
                                2016 IL App (5th) 130341-B
                                      NO. 5-13-0341
                                         IN THE
                             APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
                                    FIFTH DISTRICT

In re D.L.H., JR., a Minor            ) Appeal from the
                                      ) Circuit Court of
(The People of the State of Illinois, ) St. Clair County.
                                      )
      Petitioner-Appellee,            )
                                      )
v.                                    ) No. 12-JD-235
                                      )
D.L.H., Jr.,                          ) Honorable
                                      ) Walter C. Brandon, Jr.
      Respondent-Appellant).          ) Judge, presiding.
__________________________________________________________________________

Opinion Filed:        February 5, 2016
__________________________________________________________________________

Justices:           Honorable Richard P. Goldenhersh, J.

                 Honorable S. Gene Schwarm, P.J., and
                 Honorable Melissa A. Chapman, J.,
                 Concur
__________________________________________________________________________

Attorneys        Bill T. Walker, Law Office of Bill T. Walker, 3388-B Maryville Road,
for              P.O. Box 1800, Granite City, IL 62040; James E. Parrot, Law Office of
Appellant        James E. Parrot, 1221 Locust Street, Suite 1000, St. Louis, MO 63103
__________________________________________________________________________

Attorneys        Hon. Brendan F. Kelly, State's Attorney, St. Clair County Courthouse,
for              10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220; Patrick Delfino, Director,
Appellee         Stephen E. Norris, Deputy Director, Jennifer Camden, Staff Attorney,
                 Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, 730 East Illinois
                 Highway 15, Suite 2, P.O. Box 2249, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
__________________________________________________________________________