People State Illinois v. Frank Williams

CHIEF JUSTICE BILANDIC delivered the opinion of the court: Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Cook County, defendant, Frank Williams, was convicted of first degree murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 38, pars. 9-1(a)(1)), attempted murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 38, par. 8-4), and aggravated battery with a firearm (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 38, par. 12-4.2(a)). Defendant waived a jury for sentencing. The trial court found defendant eligible for the death penalty based on the statutory aggravating factor that the murder was committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 38, par. 9-1(b)(11). The trial court further found that there were no mitigating factors sufficient to preclude imposition of the death penalty. Accordingly, the trial court sentenced defendant to death. The trial court also sentenced defendant to concurrent 30-year sentences for attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. Defendant's death sentence has been stayed pending direct review by this court. Ill. Const. 1970, art. VI, § 4(b); 134 Ill. 2d Rs. 603, 609(a). For the following reasons, we affirm defendant's convictions and sentences.