People v. Branham

After trial by jury defendant, Kimberly Branham, was convicted of murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 9-1) and sentenced to a term of 30 years' imprisonment. Defendant appeals, contending the trial court erred in denying her pretrial motion to suppress evidence and that the sentence was excessive. Evidence at trial disclosed that at the time of the offense on January 2, 1984, defendant was a 17-year-old high school senior who had been engaged in a close lesbian relationship with her classmate, Betsy Lou, for about two years. In the fall of 1983, the relationship deteriorated as Betsy wished to associate with other people, including decedent, Kurt Barlow, age 19, who she commenced dating in December. Betsy and Kurt went out together on New Year's Eve, which upset defendant; she visited Betsy on January 1, and they quarreled when defendant was unable to induce Betsy to resume their former relationship.