Robert Simpson - Cook County State's Attorney

Michael Putney testified that he heard shots and saw a woman fall to the floor. (R. 2707)Assuming that a robbery was in progress, Mr. Putney looked towards the service counter and saw ablack male, approximately six-foot-one, a little over 200 pounds and wearing a khaki jacket,rummaging through drawers. (R. 2707-2708, 2710)Ann Turner testified that she heard a stickup announced and was pulled to the floor byanother customer. (R. 2727) Ms. Turner stated that she heard a shot, but did not see the offendersexcept from behind, believing them to be two black men. (R. 2727)Elmer Roach testified that he heard a shot, but did not see the incident, and was told therewas a holdup. (R. 2666-2667, 2671) Similarly, Donna Opasinski testified that she was unaware ofwhat had occurred, save that she heard a loud popping noise. (R. 2730)Against the trial court's advice, 12 defendant requested that the statements of Lurlarn Youngand Carolyn LaGroan be published to the jury and they were so published. (R. 3053-3083) Young'sfirst statement was exculpatory. (R. 3053-3064) Young's second statement acknowledged that shehad initially lied to the police about her involvement and described her participation in the robbery asa getaway driver for defendant and Carolyn LaGroan. (R. 3065-3074) In both of her statements,however, Young described defendant as stating that he had shot, or "popped," a woman inside thestore. (R. 3062, 3071) Carolyn LaGroan's statement (R. 3075-3083) was essentially consistent withher testimony at trial.Defendant declined to testify in his own behalf and the People introduced no evidence inrebuttal. (R. 3033, 3040)12 Outside the presence of the jury. (R. 3037-3038)23