{ "id": 75225, "name": "THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. FIDEL NINO, Defendant-Appellant", "name_abbreviation": "People v. Nino", "decision_date": "1996-04-30", "docket_number": "No. 3\u201494\u20140678", "first_page": "1027", "last_page": "1043", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "279 Ill. App. 3d 1027" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "Ill. App. Ct.", "id": 8837, "name": "Illinois Appellate Court" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 29, "name_long": "Illinois", "name": "Ill." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "612 N.E.2d 943", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "952" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "244 Ill. App. 3d 806", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 5101102 ], "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "819" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/244/0806-01" ] }, { "cite": "591 N.E.2d 431", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "447" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "147 Ill. 2d 510", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 3278412 ], "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "544-45" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/147/0510-01" ] }, { "cite": "531 N.E.2d 1008", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1988, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1011" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "176 Ill. App. 3d 960", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3588765 ], "year": 1988, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "964" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/176/0960-01" ] }, { "cite": "473 N.E.2d 840", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "859" }, { "page": "860" }, { "page": "860" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "105 Ill. 2d 22", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 3141932 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "61" }, { "page": "61" }, { "page": "62" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/105/0022-01" ] }, { "cite": "565 N.E.2d 900", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1990, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "911" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "141 Ill. 2d 40", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 3238211 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1990, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "66" }, { "page": "67" }, { "page": "67" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/141/0040-01" ] }, { "cite": "438 N.E.2d 180", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1982, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "182-83" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "91 Ill. 2d 346", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 3092628 ], "year": 1982, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "350" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/91/0346-01" ] }, { "cite": "380 U.S. 609", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 1524757 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1965, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/380/0609-01" ] }, { "cite": "169 Ill. 2d 94", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 909162 ], "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "103" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/169/0094-01" ] }, { "cite": "652 N.E.2d 278", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "284" }, { "page": "286" }, { "page": "286" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "166 Ill. 2d 211", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 198911 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "223" }, { "page": "227" }, { "page": "227" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/166/0211-01" ] }, { "cite": "360 U.S. 264", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 9052 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1959, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "269" }, { "page": "1221" }, { "page": "1177" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/360/0264-01" ] }, { "cite": "405 U.S. 150", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 11721534 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1972, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "153" }, { "page": "108" }, { "page": "766" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/405/0150-01" ] }, { "cite": "602 N.E.2d 1349", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1364" }, { "page": "1365" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "237 Ill. App. 3d 38", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 5164857 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "58" }, { "page": "59" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/237/0038-01" ] }, { "cite": "565 N.E.2d 950", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1990, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "967" }, { "page": "967" }, { "page": "967" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "141 Ill. 2d 204", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 3238302 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1990, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "242" }, { "page": "242" }, { "page": "242" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/141/0204-01" ] }, { "cite": "635 N.E.2d 732", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "735-36" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "263 Ill. App. 3d 765", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 5365666 ], "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "770" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/263/0765-01" ] }, { "cite": "478 N.E.2d 267", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1985, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "277" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "106 Ill. 2d 237", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 3138930 ], "year": 1985, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "261" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/106/0237-01" ] }, { "cite": "586 N.E.2d 1261", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1266" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "146 Ill. 2d 363", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 5596932 ], "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "374" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/146/0363-01" ] }, { "cite": "480 N.E.2d 153", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 1985, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "160" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "134 Ill. App. 3d 252", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3637389 ], "year": 1985, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "261" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/134/0252-01" ] }, { "cite": "629 N.E.2d 774", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "778" }, { "page": "779" }, { "page": "779" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "258 Ill. App. 3d 364", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 2882137 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "367-68" }, { "page": "367-68" }, { "page": "364" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/258/0364-01" ] }, { "cite": "57 Ill. App. 3d 765", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3420900 ], "year": 1978, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "775" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/57/0765-01" ] }, { "cite": "239 Ill. App. 3d 467", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 5148276 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "494" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/239/0467-01" ] }, { "cite": "56 Ill. 2d 285", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 5405370 ], "year": 1974, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/56/0285-01" ] }, { "cite": "169 Ill. 2d 94", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 909162 ], "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "103" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/169/0094-01" ] }, { "cite": "166 Ill. 2d 211", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 198911 ], "year": 1995, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "223" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/166/0211-01" ] }, { "cite": "360 U.S. 264", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 9052 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1959, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "269" }, { "page": "1221" }, { "page": "1177" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/us/360/0264-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 1275, "char_count": 33636, "ocr_confidence": 0.756, "pagerank": { "raw": 1.458044202645753e-07, "percentile": 0.6563330526219868 }, "sha256": "a9b25d412d8aaeca02f5672b8274ee45f5610be5640b3481cd1fcb6dbb1915d6", "simhash": "1:ba23a57a3adbcd63", "word_count": 5587 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T19:15:35.504495+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. FIDEL NINO, Defendant-Appellant." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "JUSTICE McCUSKEY\ndelivered the opinion of the court:\nFollowing a jury trial with eight other defendants, Fidel Nino (the defendant) was convicted of first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9\u2014 1(b)(6) (West 1994)), aggravated arson (720 ILCS 5/20 \u2014 1.1(a)(1) (West 1994)), and aggravated discharge of a firearm (720 ILCS 5/24\u2014 1.2(a)(1) (West 1994)). The defendant received concurrent sentences in the Department of Corrections of 75 years, 50 years, and 15 years, respectively.\nOn appeal, the defendant contends: (1) he was not proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; (2) he was denied his statutory right to a speedy trial; (3) the State misled the jury concerning its dealings with a material witness, Victor Aldava (Aldava); (4) the prosecutor improperly commented on his right to remain silent; (5) he was denied a fair trial by the prosecutor\u2019s improper closing argument; (6) the prosecutor improperly introduced evidence of other crimes; (7) the trial court improperly relied on inadmissible evidence to give him an extended sentence; and (8) his sentence is grossly disproportionate to those of his codefendants.\nFollowing our careful review of the record, we determine the evidence was sufficient to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We also find no violation of the defendant\u2019s speedy trial rights. However, we conclude that the State engaged in improper conduct by: (1) misleading the jury regarding its dealings with Al-dava; (2) commenting on the defendant\u2019s right to remain silent; (3) misleading the jury with improper closing argument; and (4) introducing evidence of other crimes. The cumulative impact of this conduct fundamentally flawed the defendant\u2019s trial. As a consequence, the defendant is entitled to a new trial. Because the cause is being remanded for a new trial, we will not address the questions regarding sentencing.\nI. Background\nOn November 21, 1993, several members of the Latin Kings street gang firebombed and shot into a house on the east side of Joliet. Al-dava and his bedridden grandmother, Nicolosa Esquivel, were the only people in the house. After the firebombing, Aldava tried unsuccessfully to save his grandmother\u2019s life. She died from smoke inhalation.\nDanny Martinez testified that on the day of the crimes, several members of the Latin Kings met twice at his house. The defendant and Anthony Montoya held leadership positions in the Joliet area street gang. The first meeting occurred at approximately 1 p.m. Danny\u2019s live-in girlfriend, Angelina Borrego (Angelina), testified that, at Danny\u2019s request, she was out of the house before the meeting started. However, before she left, Angelina saw the defendant and Montoya arrive at the house.\nDanny testified that, at the meeting, Michael Martinez (Michael) sold the street gang a stolen 9 millimeter handgun. Danny testified that Juan Woodward, Mario and Freddie Gonzalez, and Jessie Pena told the defendant they had been subjected to an armed attack by Jose Aldava, a rival Vice Lords gang member who lived with his brother, Victor.\nFollowing this revelation, the defendant, Montoya, and Danny (a \"staff member\u201d of the Latin King\u2019s leadership) held a small meeting to decide what to do about Jose Aldava. The defendant then told Woodward, the Gonzalezes, and Pena \"to burn down\u201d the Aldava residence. Before the meeting adjourned, the defendant and Montoya instructed all of the gang members to return to Danny\u2019s house later that evening for another meeting.\nDanny testified that, at approximately 5 p.m., various Latin Kings began arriving at his home. Angelina was present, but went into a bedroom before the meeting began and did not see the gang members arrive. Danny said that he showed Woodward how to use the 9 millimeter handgun and gave a shotgun to Freddie Gonzalez. The defendant instructed a group of Latin Kings to attract the police to a nearby street by throwing rocks at cars. Danny helped construct firebombs out of 40-ounce beer bottles, rags, and gasoline. Pena and Mario Gonzalez were told to break the window of the Aldava residence to allow the entry of the firebombs. After the second meeting, Angelina testified that Danny asked her if she wanted to go to a Pizza Hut with the defendant and Montoya. She refused and saw the defendant and Montoya leave the meeting with their girlfriends.\nDanny testified that after the others left the meeting, he heard gunshots. He identified the sound of the shots as coming from a 9 millimeter handgun. The Latin Kings who were involved in the firebombing returned to Danny\u2019s house. At his home, Danny took the 9 millimeter handgun and the shotgun from the gang members. Danny and Angelina then ate dinner.\nAldava testified that he was a member of the Two-Sixers street gang. On November 21, 1993, at around 6:20 p.m., he was looking out his front bay window while talking on the telephone with his girlfriend. Several Latin Kings walked by his front window and displayed gang signs disrespecting the Gangster Disciples and the Two-Sixers. About five minutes later, the Latin Kings returned. Al-dava saw Juan Woodward pull a gun from his waist, and Aldava threw himself down on the floor of the home. He heard four gunshots and glass breaking. Aldava then saw two firebombs come through the front window. As he brushed some fire off his clothing, Aldava saw the Latin Kings running away. Aldava tried to carry his grandmother from her room but was unable to accomplish the task. He then ran next door to get help from his neighbors. Firefighters arrived shortly thereafter.\nThe jury returned its verdict finding Freddie Gonzalez, Mario Gonzalez, the defendant and Montoya guilty of first degree murder, aggravated arson, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Eddie Olender and Joe Lopez were found guilty of theft and not guilty of first degree murder. Anthony Morrow, Miguel Orozco and Victor Guzman were found not guilty on all counts. Following sentencing, the defendant filed a timely notice of appeal.\nII. Sufficiency of Proof\nThe defendant initially claims that he was not proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of first degree murder, aggravated arson, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. In this regard, the defendant relies primarily on his contention that Danny and Michael were unbelievable accomplice witnesses who received financial rewards and great leniency from the State in exchange for their testimony.\nA. Applicable Law and Standard of Review\nThe evidence shows that after the second meeting at Danny\u2019s house, the defendant and Montoya went to Pizza Hut for dinner and were not present at the crime scene or Danny\u2019s house during the rest of the evening. As a consequence, the defendant was charged under an accountability theory. Accountability under the law must be established by evidence which shows the defendant: (1) solicited, aided, abetted, agreed, or attempted the offense; (2) participated before or during the offense; and (3) had a concurrent, specific intent to promote or facilitate the commission of the offense. 720 ILCS 5/5 \u2014 2 (West 1992); People v. Houston, 258 Ill. App. 3d 364, 367-68, 629 N.E.2d 774, 778 (1994).\nIn addition, the law of accountability provides that when two or more people participate in a criminal plan, any criminal acts committed by one party in furtherance of the plan are considered to be the acts of all of the people involved. Houston, 258 Ill. App. 3d at 367-68, 629 N.E.2d at 779. Furthermore, presence at the scene of the crime is not a required element of accomplice liability. A person absent from the scene of the crime can be charged as an accomplice if he or she participated in the plan. People v. Feagans, 134 Ill. App. 3d 252, 261, 480 N.E.2d 153, 160 (1985).\nIn judging the sufficiency of the evidence on appeal, the relevant inquiry is not whether we believe the defendant\u2019s guilt was established beyond a reasonable doubt. Rather, the issue is 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. People v. Campbell, 146 Ill. 2d 363, 374, 586 N.E.2d 1261, 1266 (1992); People v. Collins, 106 Ill. 2d 237, 261, 478 N.E.2d 267, 277 (1985). After reading the record and viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, we conclude that a rational jury could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, based on accountability principles.\nB. Aggravated Arson\nA person commits the offense of arson when he knowingly uses fire or explosives to damage the real or personal property of another having a value of $150 or more. 720 ILCS 5/20 \u2014 1(a) (West 1994). Aggravated arson is arson committed with the knowledge that a person is present in the building burned or where any person suffers great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement as a result of the fire. 720 ILCS 5/20 \u2014 1.1 (West 1994), The record contains ample evidence from which a reasonable trier of fact could find: (1) the defendant planned and ordered the knowing use of fire to damage the Aldava residence; (2) the property was valued in excess of $150; and (3) great bodily harm occurred as a result of the arson.\nDanny and Michael testified concerning the defendant\u2019s direct involvement in planning the arson. Angelina testified that she saw the defendant arrive for the first meeting and leave following the second one. Moreover, the State has proved that the defendant\u2019s involvement took place before the offenses occurred. Finally, we conclude that based on the above testimony, there was adequate evidence from which a rational trier of fact could find the defendant possessed the requisite specific intent to promote aggravated arson.\nC. First Degree Murder and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm\nOnce the State proves that the defendant had the specific intent to promote a crime, the defendant is then responsible for any criminal act which is committed in furtherance of the crime. Houston, 258 Ill. App. 3d at 364, 629 N.E.2d at 779. We determine there is ample evidence in the record to support the jury\u2019s finding that the defendant had the specific intent to promote the commission of the offense of aggravated arson. Accordingly, the defendant is legally accountable for the crimes committed in furtherance of the plan. People v. Dukes, 263 Ill. App. 3d 765, 770, 635 N.E.2d 732, 735-36 (1994).\nD. Accomplice Testimony\nIn urging this court to reverse his convictions, the defendant argues that the State\u2019s key witnesses were unbelievable and did not support his conviction. We do not agree. Uncorroborated accomplice testimony can support a conviction if there is sufficient evidence for the trier of fact to find the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. People v. Holmes, 141 Ill. 2d 204, 242, 565 N.E.2d 950, 967 (1990).\nThe defendant is correct that courts cautiously scrutinize accomplice testimony. Holmes, 141 Ill. 2d at 242, 565 N.E.2d at 967. Nonetheless, the \"inherent weaknesses\u201d of accomplice testimony bear on the weight to be given such evidence, as well as the credibility of the witness. These determinations are matters \"peculiarly within the province of the trier of fact.\u201d Holmes, 141 Ill. 2d at 242, 565 N.E.2d at 967. We will not substitute our judgment for that of the jury on questions concerning the weight of the evidence or the credibility of witnesses. A reviewing court will reverse the trier of fact only when the evidence is so improbable, impossible or unsatisfactory that it raises a reasonable doubt as to the defendant\u2019s guilt. People v. Irby, 237 Ill. App. 3d 38, 58, 602 N.E.2d 1349, 1364 (1992).\nDanny, Michael, and Angelina were heavily impeached at trial by nine different defense attorneys. The jury heard extensive testimony concerning the incentives and financial benefits the State gave these witnesses in return for their testimony. The record clearly shows that Michael and Danny received immunity from prosecution for their involvement in two separate murder cases. Danny and Angelina received rent-free housing, free groceries, and cash payments prior to and during the defendant\u2019s trial. The incentives the State gave these witnesses are factors to be considered by the trier of fact and weighed along with all the other evidence. Irby, 237 Ill. App. 3d at 59, 602 N.E.2d at 1365. Despite the heavy impeachment of Danny, Michael, and Angelina, the jury chose to believe their testimony after weighing it along with all the evidence presented during the trial. Following our review, we do not find the evidence to be so improbable, impossible, or unsatisfactory that it raises a reasonable doubt concerning the defendant\u2019s guilt.\nIII. Speedy Trial\nThis portion of our opinion is nonpublishable under Supreme Court Rule 23 (166 Ill. 2d R. 23).\nIV. Trial Errors\nA. Misleading the Jury\nThe defendant argues that the State improperly misled the jury concerning its dealings with Victor Aldava. We agree.\nAt the time of the defendant\u2019s trial, Aldava was in custody charged with residential burglary and arson. If convicted, he faced 4 to 15 years in the Department of Corrections. On the very day that Aldava testified in the defendant\u2019s trial, he appeared in court with Assistant State\u2019s Attorney Knick, who continued his pending criminal cases. Knick was also a prosecutor in the defendant\u2019s case. At the time, the defendant was unaware that Aldava\u2019s criminal matters had been continued to a later date. The day after the jury\u2019s verdicts were rendered in the defendant\u2019s case, Knick appeared in court with Al-dava. As a result of plea negotiations, the pending charges against Aldava were dismissed. The State allowed Aldava to plead guilty to burglary and recommended probation. The trial court accepted the negotiated plea and sentenced Aldava to probation.\nDuring his testimony at the defendant\u2019s trial, Aldava denied that he had a \"deal\u201d with the Will County State\u2019s Attorney\u2019s office concerning the status and disposition of his pending residential burglary and arson cases. On cross-examination, the following exchange took place between a defense attorney and Aldava:\n\"Q. [Defense counsel:] You\u2019re in custody now charged with residential burglary and arson?\nA. [Aldava:] Correct.\nQ. And that\u2019s a felony, both of those are felonies?\nA. Yes.\nQ. And you understand if you get convicted of residential burglary you have to go to the pen, right?\nA. Yes.\nQ. For at least four years?\nA. Yes.\nQ. And maybe up to 15 years?\nA. Yes.\nQ. You\u2019re kind of hoping the State is going to give you a deal if they haven\u2019t already, is that correct?\nA. No. They ain\u2019t give me no deal.\nQ. Are you kind of hoping that they do?\nA. Hope, hoping.\nQ. Hoping.\nA. But I know I\u2019m not going to get it.\nQ. You know you\u2019re not going to get it?\nA. Correct.\nQ. Is there a reason why your case has been continued about three times until after you testify in this case before it\u2019s disposed of?\nA. No.\nQ. You have no reason for \u2014 to know why it\u2019s continued?\nA. No.\nQ. If you\u2019re not going to get a deal, why don\u2019t you just set the case for trial or your lawyer set the case for trial?\nA. I don\u2019t know.\nQ. He doesn\u2019t tell you why?\nA. Nope.\u201d\nThe State presented Aldava to the jury as a witness with no felony convictions, who was voluntarily testifying regarding the tragic death of his grandmother. In fact, Aldava was a witness with a strong motivation to please the State in order to avoid a long sentence in the penitentiary.\nAldava\u2019s testimony at a hearing on the defendant\u2019s post-trial motion for a new trial shows how he was presented to the jury in a misleading light. Aldava testified that after a witness for the State \"left town\u201d the State approached him about testifying in the defendant\u2019s case:\n\"Q. [Defense counsel:] Who was it that talked to you about that?\nA. [Aldava:] Some \u2014 they just told \u2014 they just told, I think, I believe they told a lawyer. I\u2019m not sure, then, how somehow it got to me.\nQ. So, somebody went to your lawyer and told your lawyer that he needed you to testify in the case, and then somehow that got to you?\nA. Correct.\nQ. But you didn\u2019t have a deal?\nA. No.\u201d\nAldava\u2019s attorney, James Chesloe, admitted that prior to Alda-va\u2019s testimony, Chesloe had \"preliminary discussions\u201d with Assistant State\u2019s Attorney Knick concerning the disposition of Aldava\u2019s residential burglary and arson cases. Chesloe testified: \"[W]e continued it from time to time, and I had conversations with Mike Knick that eventually when [the defendant\u2019s] case was finished we would talk in regards to [Aldava\u2019s] case.\u201d Chesloe attempted to dispose of Aldava\u2019s cases before Aldava testified in the instant case, but Knick would not put anything \"on the table.\u201d The trial court took judicial notice of the fact that Aldava\u2019s cases were disposed of \"pursuant to [a] negotiated disposition\u201d the day after the verdicts in the defendant\u2019s case.\nAssistant State\u2019s Attorney Mock testified that \"Aldava\u2019s disposition had nothing to do with his testimony in this case. The holding off of his disposition had everything to do with the fact that he couldn\u2019t be a convicted felon at the time he testified, which is another form of impeachment.\u201d (Emphasis added.)\nThe law is well settled that a prosecutor may not knowingly use, or allow to go uncorrected, perjured testimony which goes to the substance of a witness\u2019 testimony or facts which bear on the witness\u2019 credibility. Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150, 153, 31 L. Ed. 2d 104, 108, 92 S. Ct. 763, 766 (1972); Napue v. Illinois, 360 U.S. 264, 269, 3 L. Ed. 2d 1217, 1221, 79 S. Ct. 1173, 1177 (1959); People v. Jimerson, 166 Ill. 2d 211, 223, 652 N.E.2d 278, 284 (1995). Our supreme court has recently resolved a conflict among certain districts of the appellate court, in holding that in order to rise to the level of a constitutional violation, the use of false testimony must be with the State\u2019s knowledge. People v. Brown, 169 Ill. 2d 94, 103 (1995). While the record is unclear whether Aldava\u2019s testimony constitutes perjury, the State clearly presented Aldava to the jury in a misleading light.\nIn the case at hand, the State does not dispute that it had knowledge of the misleading character of Aldava\u2019s testimony. Indeed, Assistant State\u2019s Attorney Mock admitted during the post-trial hearing that the State deliberately manipulated the timing of Aldava\u2019s pending cases so that he would have no felony convictions at the time he testified. As a result, Aldava\u2019s testimony appeared in a misleading light, and his credibility before the jury was not impeached.\nWe also disagree with the State\u2019s contention that no specific promise of leniency was made to Aldava prior to his testimony. On appeal, we are not required to \"suspend common sense in evaluating the evidence in the record.\u201d Jimerson, 166 Ill. 2d at 227, 652 N.E.2d at 286. Chesloe testified that he had preliminary \"conversations\u201d with the assistant State\u2019s Attorney and they both had an understanding that \"eventually when [the defendant\u2019s] case was finished we would talk in regards to [Aldava\u2019s].\u201d The record reveals, and common sense dictates, that there was an unspoken understanding between Aldava\u2019s attorney and the State. The ultimate resolution of Aldava\u2019s case, \"pursuant to [a] negotiated disposition,\u201d the morning after the verdicts were rendered in the defendant\u2019s case, clearly lends substantial support to our conclusion that Chesloe and the assistant State\u2019s Attorney had an unspoken agreement. Jimerson, 166 Ill. 2d at 227, 652 N.E.2d at 286. The record clearly establishes that the State knowingly manipulated the testimony of Aldava concerning facts which bear directly on his credibility.\nWe find the manipulation of Aldava very disturbing because his testimony was essential to the State\u2019s case against the defendant. Al-dava was the sole witness to offer proof concerning the charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm. In addition, Aldava provided crucial corroboration of Danny\u2019s testimony about how the firebombing was to be carried out. Aldava also corroborated the scientific evidence concerning the use of the weapon and accelerant. As a result, we agree with the defendant\u2019s contention that the jury was improperly misled concerning facts directly related to the credibility of a material witness.\nB. Right to Remain Silent\nDuring opening statements to the jury, the assistant State\u2019s Attorney commented: \"[I]f Danny Martinez wasn\u2019t breaking ranks and testifying, there wouldn\u2019t be a trial here. None of these defendants would be on trial. There [are] a couple of sayings that you hear in law enforcement *** one of them is nobody talks, everybody walks.\u201d The defendant\u2019s objection to the comment was overruled, and the prosecutor continued: \"[A]nd that\u2019s true. If Danny Martinez wasn\u2019t talking, we would have no evidence. The [converse] of that is the first to squeal gets the deal.\u201d After opening statements, several defense attorneys joined in a motion for a mistrial based on the prosecutor\u2019s comments. The trial court denied the motion. Similarly, during closing argument, the prosecutor stated: ''[W]hen gang members commit an offense *** they don\u2019t talk they walk.\u201d\nA criminal defendant has a constitutional right (see Griffin v. California, 380 U.S. 609, 14 L. Ed. 2d 106, 85 S. Ct. 1229 (1965)) and a statutory right (see 725 ILCS 125/6 (West 1994)) to remain silent and not incriminate himself. ''[A]ny reference or comment\u201d which is intended to direct the jury\u2019s attention to the defendant\u2019s failure to avail himself of the legal right to testify violates the defendant\u2019s right to remain silent. People v. Dixon, 91 Ill. 2d 346, 350, 438 N.E.2d 180, 182-83 (1982).\nWe find the prosecutor\u2019s comments in opening statement and closing argument improperly referred to the defendant\u2019s post-arrest silence and his right not to testify at trial. The comments in opening statements, coupled with the repeated reference in closing argument, imply that the defendant was following a gang creed in not testifying. By saying that there would be no case against the defendant without Danny\u2019s testimony, while at the same time referring to the defendants with the statement \"they don\u2019t talk they walk,\u201d the prosecutor improperly highlighted the fact that Danny chose to testify and the defendant did not.\nC. Improper Closing Argument\nDuring closing argument, in an attempt to shore up the credibility of its key witnesses, the prosecution made the following arguments:\n\"[Prosecutor]: Second reason, is that Danny Martinez and Michael Martinez, when they \u2014 when this trial is over with, they can\u2019t live in Joliet anymore because there is a death warrant out for them.\n[Defense counsel]: Objection, Judge. There is no testimony to that.\n[THE COURT]: Sustained.\n[Prosecutor]: Well, the testimony by Angelina Borrego, and by Danny Martinez and by Michael Martinez, is that if you testify against the Latin Kings they will kill you. So, however you want to call it, however you want to think of it, they go out there. And everybody talking all before about getting the death penalty for two murders. Well, they get the death penalty for two murders, they wait 14 or 15 years before they get executed. Here they testify against these guys, they walk out, they get killed immediately.\n[Defense counsel]: Objection, Judge. Same objection.\n[Defense counsel]: I object as well, Judge. That is absolutely inappropriate comment on Mr. Knick\u2019s behalf.\n[THE COURT]: Objection sustained.\n[Prosecutor]: They can\u2019t be Latin Kings anymore. They can\u2019t be members of the Latin Kings.\n[Defense counsel]: Judge, objection. There is no testimony to that. It\u2019s their own self-serving testimony.\n[THE COURT]: Overruled.\n[Prosecutor]: They can\u2019t live in Joliet anymore. They have to get out.\n[Defense counsel]: Objection, Judge. You just sustained that objection.\n[THE COURT]: Overruled.\n[Prosecutor]: They have to get out of Joliet. They can\u2019t be Latin Kings.\u201d\nThere is no evidence in the record that Danny and Michael would live longer in prison, convicted of murder and sentenced to death, than as free men. There is no evidence in the record that they had to leave Joliet as a result of their testimony in the defendant\u2019s case.\nOur supreme court has found similar comments improper when the prosecutor commented: \" 'every witness that had the guts to point the finger at this defendant, every witness that had the guts to tell the police that this is the guy, has had to leave town.\u2019 \u201d People v. Smith, 141 Ill. 2d 40, 66, 565 N.E.2d 900, 911 (1990). Like the improper comments in Smith, the assistant State\u2019s Attorney\u2019s improper comments in the defendant\u2019s trial may not have so prejudiced the defendant as to warrant reversal, but they compounded the other fundamental flaws permeating this trial. Smith, 141 Ill. 2d at 67, 565 N.E.2d at 911.\nD. Evidence of Other Crimes\nOn direct examination of Danny, Assistant State\u2019s Attorney Mock posed the following questions:\n\"Q. [Mock:] And could you tell the members of the jury what a drive by shooting is and how that occurs?\nA. [Danny:] Go in the car, drive by and somebody drives and go shoot at them.\nQ. And who do you shoot at?\nA. The opposite gangs.\nQ. And which gangs would that be for the Latin Kings?\nA. Vice Lords, Gangsters and Two-Six.\nQ. So none of the other three major gangs in the Joliet area the Latin Kings get along with them?\nA. None of them.\nQ. And is this the type of activity something that all Latin King members do?\nA. Yes.\nQ. You\u2019re not unique in that respect?\nA. What?\nQ. You\u2019re not individualized in that respect? You weren\u2019t the only guy that did it?\nA. No.\u201d\nDefense counsel objected to this line of questioning on the basis that it was an improper introduction of evidence of other crimes committed by each of the defendants. The defendant also moved for a mistrial. The trial court overruled the objection and denied the motion for a mistrial. Also, Angelina testified that all Latin Kings gang members smoke marijuana.\nThe general rule is that evidence of other crimes is not admissible if it is only relevant to establish the defendant\u2019s propensity to commit a crime. People v. Stewart, 105 Ill. 2d 22, 61, 473 N.E.2d 840, 859 (1984). Such evidence may be admissible if it is relevant to prove other elements, such as modus operandi, intent, identity, motive or absence of mistake. Stewart, 105 Ill. 2d at 61, 473 N.E.2d at 860. In determining whether other crimes evidence is admissible, the trial court must balance the purpose for which it is offered against the prejudicial effect it may have upon the defendant. Stewart, 105 Ill. 2d at 62, 473 N.E.2d at 860.\nWhile the State claims that this testimony was properly admitted to show motive, lack of, mistake and intent, the trial court offered no rationale for allowing it into evidence. Evidence of drug use and drive-by shootings was distinct and entirely unrelated to the case at hand. People v. Pauli, 176 Ill. App. 3d 960, 964, 531 N.E.2d 1008, 1011 (1988). As a result, we conclude that this type of testimony should not have been admitted into evidence.\nV. Conclusion\nFor the reasons indicated, we find that viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, a rational trier of fact could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In addition, the defendant\u2019s right to a speedy trial was not violated. However, the State engaged in several instances of improper conduct by: (1) knowingly manipulating Victor Aldava\u2019s testimony; (2) commenting on the defendant\u2019s right to remain silent; (3) engaging in improper closing argument; and (4) introducing evidence of other crimes.\nWe conclude that the cumulative impact of all of the State\u2019s improper conduct rendered the defendant\u2019s trial fundamentally flawed. People v. Kidd, 147 Ill. 2d 510, 544-45, 591 N.E.2d 431, 447 (1992); Smith, 141 Ill. 2d at 67, 565 N.E.2d at 911; People v. Taylor, 244 Ill. App. 3d 806, 819, 612 N.E.2d 943, 952 (1993). Accordingly, the judgment of the circuit court of Will County is reversed, and the defendant\u2019s case is remanded for a new trial.\nReversed and remanded.\nSLATER, J., concurs.", "type": "majority", "author": "JUSTICE McCUSKEY" }, { "text": "PRESIDING JUSTICE HOLDRIDGE,\nspecially concurring in part and dissenting in part:\nI agree that the conviction must be reversed and the matter remanded for a new trial because the People: (1) improperly commented on the defendant\u2019s right to remain silent; (2) engaged in improper closing argument; and (3) introduced evidence of other crimes. I believe the cumulative impact of these errors warrants a new trial. I write separately because I do not believe the People\u2019s handling of Victor Aldava\u2019s testimony should be considered as grounds for reversal. I respectfully dissent from that portion of the majority\u2019s opinion.\nThe majority notes that it is well settled that a prosecutor may not knowingly use, or allow to go uncorrected, perjured testimony that goes to the substance of a witness\u2019 testimony or facts which bear on the witness\u2019 credibility. Napue v. Illinois, 360 U.S. 264, 269, 3 L. Ed. 2d 1217, 1221, 79 S. Ct. 1173, 1177 (1972). It is clear that the knowing use of perjured testimony by the prosecution is a denial of due process and requires that the defendant be granted a new trial. People v. Jimerson, 166 Ill. 2d 211, 223 (1995). However, the defendant must prove that the People knowingly used perjured testimony. People v. Brown, 169 Ill. 2d at 103; People v. Bassett, 56 Ill. 2d 285 (1974).\nIn the matter sub judice, as the majority acknowledged, the defendant did not prove that Aldava\u2019s testimony was perjured, nor did he prove that the People knowingly used false or perjured testimony. I would hold therefore that the defendant\u2019s argument that he suffered prejudice must be rejected unless he can present evidence to show that there were promises made to Aldava that the prosecutor knew about but failed to disclose to the jury. I believe that it is unwise to extend to defendants who have failed to meet the burden of proving the knowing use of perjured testimony those protections afforded defendants who have met that burden.\nI also note that the facts in this case are very similar to those in People v. McMillan, 239 Ill. App. 3d 467 (1993). In McMillan, the court held that the defendant had failed to prove the witness against him testified falsely when he stated that he did not have a deal with prosecutors, but merely \"hoped\u201d to get a deal after his testimony against the defendant. In rejecting the defendant\u2019s argument for a new trial, the court noted:\n\"The only evidence to suggest that a deal was made is the records of Johnston\u2019s case which indicate that after defendant\u2019s trial, the murder charges against Johnston were dropped and he pleaded guilty to a charge of armed robbery. Johnston, the prosecutor, and Johnston\u2019s attorney all indicated there were no deals made, no promises of leniency, and that Johnston only hoped to get something. The jury was able to judge the credibility of Johnston and was fully informed of any motive or bias he might have for testifying. The jury was well aware of the leverage the State had over Johnston and that that could have been the basis for his cooperation in this matter. Defendant cannot show that he was prejudiced by any promises of leniency when there is no evidence to suggest that there were any such promises made.\u201d (Emphasis omitted.) McMillan, 239 Ill. App. 3d at 494.\nAs in McMillan, the defendant in the instant matter failed to prove that Aldava testified falsely when he stated that he did not have a deal of leniency in exchange for his testimony. The jury knew that Aldava was in custody charged with residential burglary and arson. The jury also knew that, if convicted of those charges, Aldava faced 4 to 15 years in prison. The jury likewise knew that Aldava \"hoped\u201d to get something and the People could therefore potentially exert some leverage over Aldava. All these facts were before the jury when it assessed Aldava\u2019s credibility. The defendant herein, as in McMillan, failed to show that the witness testified falsely. Although the defendant could show that Aldava was given favorable treatment after the defendant\u2019s trial, the mere fact, however, that charges against a State witness were reduced or dropped after trial does not, standing alone, raise an inference of prior favorable consideration. People v. Sheridan, 57 Ill. App. 3d 765, 775 (1978).\nI would also note that all the case law cited by the defendant in this matter concerned instances where the witness was either an accomplice or a person to whom the defendant had allegedly made admissions. Here, Aldava testified as a victim. I believe that this distinction is important when weighing the impact of Aldava\u2019s testimony upon the jury.\nFinally, I also disagree with the majority\u2019s characterization of Al-dava\u2019s testimony as essential to the People\u2019s case. Aldava did not identify the defendant. While his testimony corroborated the testimony of other witnesses concerning the discharge of a firearm and the use of an incendiary device, I believe that Aldava\u2019s testimony was cumulative.\nFor the reasons indicated, I concur in part and dissent in part.", "type": "concurring-in-part-and-dissenting-in-part", "author": "PRESIDING JUSTICE HOLDRIDGE," } ], "attorneys": [ "Edward A. Burmila, Jr. (argued), of Burmila & Thomas, P.C., of Joliet, for appellant.", "James Glasgow, State\u2019s Attorney, of Joliet (John X. Breslin and Gary F. Gnidovec (argued), both of State\u2019s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor\u2019s Office, of counsel), for the People." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. FIDEL NINO, Defendant-Appellant.\nThird District\nNo. 3\u201494\u20140678\nOpinion filed April 30, 1996.\nRehearing denied June 5, 1996.\nHOLDRIDGE, P.J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.\nEdward A. Burmila, Jr. (argued), of Burmila & Thomas, P.C., of Joliet, for appellant.\nJames Glasgow, State\u2019s Attorney, of Joliet (John X. Breslin and Gary F. Gnidovec (argued), both of State\u2019s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor\u2019s Office, of counsel), for the People." }, "file_name": "1027-01", "first_page_order": 1045, "last_page_order": 1061 }