People v. Swart

No. 2--04--0417 filed: 12/29/06
_________________________________________________________________________________
IN THE
APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
SECOND DISTRICT
_________________________________________________________________________________
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE ) Appeal from the Circuit Court
OF ILLINOIS, ) of Du Page County.
)
Plaintiff-Appellee, )
)
v. ) No. 01--CF--1453
)
JACQUELYN A. SWART, ) Honorable
) Kathryn E. Creswell,
Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge, Presiding.
_________________________________________________________________________________
JUSTICE BYRNE delivered the opinion of the court:
A jury found defendant, Jacquelyn Swart, guilty of the first-degree murder of a 14-month-old
girl, Alexandra Pirkins (Alex). See 720 ILCS 5/9--1(a)(2) (2004). The trial court imposed a 35-year
prison term. The State's theory of the case is that Alex succumbed to "shaken baby syndrome" while
in defendant's care. Defendant denies shaking Alex, and at trial, she attempted to introduce evidence
that Alex suffered an "undetected injury" during the days preceding her death.
On appeal, defendant argues that (1) the State's medical experts were not credible and (2) the
prosecutor committed reversible error by suggesting during closing argument that defendant abused
Alex not only on the date of her death but also five days earlier. Notably, at trial, defendant neither
challenged the admissibility of the State's expert testimony pursuant to Frye v. United States, 293 F.
1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923), nor objected to the prosecutor's comments. We affirm.
FACTS
No. 2--04--0417
On April 7, 1998, Alex was born to Todd and Wendy Pirkins. Beginning 10 weeks after
Alex's birth, the Pirkins employed defendant, the wife of Wendy's coworker, to provide daycare for
Alex in defendant's apartment. Defendant cared for Alex for approximately one year, until she was
hospitalized on Monday, June 21, 1999. Defendant and her husband have two children of their own:
"Nemesis," a boy who was six years old at the time of the incident, and "Felix," a girl who was Alex's
age. Before Felix was born, defendant worked at a Kindercare facility, where she received child
abuse training. Defendant was told that shaking a baby is dangerous and can be fatal.
Detectives Timothy Connell and Tim Garnish interviewed defendant as part of the
investigation. Defendant denied shaking her own children and insisted that "she had never handled
Alex roughly, nor shaken her, nor [had] she ever struck her in any way."
A. Chain of Events
1. Wednesday, June 16, 1999
Wendy, Todd, their family members, and defendant testified about the days immediately
preceding Alex's death. On the morning of Wednesday, June 16, 1999, Wendy dropped Alex off at
defendant's apartment, as was customary. Ordinarily, Alex napped for 1 to 1½ hours after lunch.
However, when Wendy returned at 5 p.m., Alex was still sleeping, and defendant stated that she did
not wish to wake Alex because Alex had been "very crabby" that day. Alex behaved normally the rest
of the evening, but she took longer than usual to fall asleep, which Wendy attributed to the long nap.
Each day, defendant prepared handwritten notes chronicling Alex's activities, meals, and
moods, and Wendy would read them upon returning home with Alex. On June 16, defendant wrote
that "Alex has been pretty crabby all day" and that defendant had to put her back down to sleep as
"nothing else made her happy."
2. Thursday, June 17, 1999
-2-
No. 2--04--0417
Wendy testified that, on Thursday, June 17, 1999, Alex behaved normally except that she
drooled constantly and was more whiny and "needier" than usual, because she was teething. Todd
testified that the teething had interfered with Alex's sleep for two weeks before her death. When
Wendy took Alex to defendant's apartment, she instructed defendant to limit Alex's nap. Wendy
arrived to pick up Alex at defendant's apartment in the evening, and when Alex stood to walk toward
her mother, she vomited. Defendant told Wendy that Alex must have vomited because she ate prunes
that day and that Alex had been "kind of cranky" for the half hour before Wendy's arrival. Detective
Connell testified that defendant told him about the vomiting episode.
Wendy testified that Alex was quieter than usual on the drive home. However, Alex ate her
dinner normally and did not vomit that evening. Wendy did not recall if she told the police that Alex
was lethargic on the way home.
On June 17, defendant wrote a note asking, "is it Friday yet?" However, defendant thought
that she had probably written "a smiley face at the end of it."
3. Friday, June 18, 1999
Wendy described Alex's behavior on the morning of Friday, June 18, 1999, as "typical."
When Wendy brought Alex to defendant's home, Alex had not yet finished her bottle, so Wendy
stayed a bit longer and played with Alex when she became "whiney." Wendy coaxed Alex into a
good mood through play, but Alex vomited and began to cry. Wendy left, and defendant put Alex
down for her nap from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Defendant informed Wendy by telephone that Alex had taken
her morning nap and could eat toast. At 11:30 a.m., Wendy retrieved Alex and went to a company
picnic as planned. Defendant also attended the picnic.
Alex was a bit shy at the picnic, but eventually ate and got involved chasing a huge ball. Alex
missed her afternoon nap, and about five other adults watched Alex while Wendy played in a softball
-3-
No. 2--04--0417
game. One of the adults testified that Alex fed herself Cheerios, drank juice from a cup, and
otherwise appeared normal for a 14-month-old girl. Wendy took Alex home at 4 p.m.
On Friday evening, Wendy and Todd attended a play. Scott and Laurie Pirkins, Todd's
brother and sister-in-law, watched Alex. Laurie testified that Alex did not vomit but was fussy during
dinner. After an evening stroll with Alex, Laurie and Scott readied Alex for bed and reported to her
parents that Alex was "fine." Wendy and Todd retrieved Alex at approximately 2 a.m. and took her
home.
4. Saturday, June 19, 1999
On Saturday, the Pirkinses prepared their home for a Father's Day party the next day. Wendy
testified that Alex awakened, drank her bottle, and by 9 a.m. was in the basement with Todd and a
family friend who were assembling a pool table. Alex was "walking and laughing and running
around." Alex did not appear injured in any way.
Wendy's mother arrived at 10 a.m., and Alex napped for a half-hour. Wendy, her mother, and
Alex went to the mall, where Alex was alert and interested in her surroundings. Alex ate, ran, and
walked around the mall until the three returned home at 6 p.m. Like the day before, Alex missed her
afternoon nap. Todd played with Alex, bathed her, and put her to bed between 8:30 and 9 p.m. Alex
slept through the night.
5. Sunday, June 20, 1999
On Father's Day, Alex awoke at 7 a.m. and Wendy gave her a bottle of milk. At 12:30 p.m.,
Wendy fed her again and put her down for her morning nap. Alex had no difficulty eating. The party
guests began arriving at 1:30 p.m., and Alex was awakened by the commotion. Alex played with her
grandmother and aunt and appeared fine. Later in the afternoon, Wendy and several others left to
-4-
No. 2--04--0417
purchase Alex some outdoor toys, including a plastic bubble car and a slide. The family activity
prevented Alex from taking her afternoon nap.
Wendy and Todd testified that Alex played on the slide "nonstop." Once, Alex slid down
faster than usual and her head was "pushed back" against the slide. Alex whined but did not cry.
When she reached the bottom of the slide, she immediately stood and ran around to continue using
it. Wendy, Todd, and two other family members testified to Alex's reaction to hitting her head.
Wendy and Todd testified that Alex ate dinner and became very tired near the end of the evening.
Wendy and two others testified that Wendy put Alex to bed between 8 and 8:30 p.m. and that Alex
fell asleep quickly.
6. Monday, June 21, 1999
On Monday, June 21, 1999, Alex awoke at approximately 6 a.m., which was an hour earlier
than usual. Wendy placed Alex on Wendy's waterbed, and after resting a short time, Alex began to
play. Alex was "on all fours" looking at her reflection in the mirror hung behind the headboard, and
she started crawling toward the mirror. Wendy testified that Alex "slipped a little" and bumped her
forehead on the headboard. Alex did not cry, and the bump resulted in a small red mark over her
eyebrow.
Wendy set Alex on the floor to play with some toys, and Alex became progressively "whinier"
and wished to be picked up. Wendy gave her a bottle of milk and lay on the couch with her. Alex
finished the entire eight-ounce bottle, and Wendy returned her to the crib, where she fell asleep
immediately.
Wendy called defendant and told her that she and Alex would be late that morning. Wendy
wished to sleep in that morning, but she falsely told defendant that she was waiting for a repairman.
-5-
No. 2--04--0417
Wendy explained that she lied because she could come and go to work as she pleased, unlike
defendant's husband, who might be resentful of Wendy.
At 8 a.m., Alex was still sleeping, and Wendy called defendant to say she planned to let Alex
sleep in so they would not have a "bad Monday." Wendy explained that Mondays were the hardest
day of the week for Alex. Alex awoke after 9 a.m. and ate scrambled eggs, and Wendy took her to
defendant's apartment. During the drive, Alex was in a "great mood" and was "playful--[in] her
typical happy, jolly mood."
Wendy carried Alex from the car to defendant's door and set her down. Alex leaned on the
door and "stumbled a bit" when it opened. Wendy and defendant conversed and Alex ran through
the kitchen, took magnets off the refrigerator door, and handed them to Felix, defendant's daughter.
Wendy testified that she told defendant that the family had a busy weekend, Alex had not napped
much, and Alex had been "a little fussy" that morning but was in a much better mood. Defendant
testified that Wendy told her that Alex was "cranky and fussy all weekend" and had been "very clumsy
that morning." According to defendant, Alex tripped and fell in the doorway.
Defendant testified that, after Wendy left, she took Alex and Felix outside to play on the
swings at 10:30 a.m. Felix stayed on the patio, and defendant placed Alex on the grass, which was
"kind of damp." Because Alex was fussy, defendant moved her to another spot, which was damp as
well. Defendant took the girls back inside, where they stayed for 10 to 15 minutes.
Sandy Powers, defendant's neighbor, testified that she was working at her desk near her patio
door when, sometime between 10 a.m. and noon, she heard a baby crying in defendant's apartment.
She rose to close the door and saw defendant carrying Alex as defendant exited her apartment. Alex
was "crying hard" as defendant placed her on the grass. Alex was sitting "on her bottom with her legs
out in front of her and her arms at her sides." Alex's back was perpendicular to the ground and her
-6-
No. 2--04--0417
head was erect. After defendant placed Alex on the grass, Powers saw defendant return to the
apartment and help Felix out the door. As Felix "toddl[ed]," Alex continued to cry, so defendant
"very gently" moved her to another part of the grass. Powers stated that Alex was again sitting with
her legs out in front of her and her arms at her sides. When Felix began crying, defendant brought
both girls back into her home, and Powers could no longer hear crying after defendant closed her
patio door. Defendant testified that she closed the patio door because her air conditioner was
running.
Defendant testified that, at 11 a.m., she prepared lunch for the girls. Defendant gave Alex
turkey bologna, peas, and carrots, but Alex ate only the peas. At 11:30 a.m., defendant changed the
girls' diapers and gave them their bottles. Both girls became cranky and defendant put them down
for their naps. Defendant then turned on her white-noise machine.
At 12:30 p.m., defendant checked on the girls, saw that Alex was awake, and brought her to
the living room. At 1:18 p.m., defendant telephoned her husband at his office. She did not remember
why she called, and she denied calling him to say that she had done something to hurt Alex.
Defendant testified that Felix awoke between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m., and the girls played until
Alex became cranky and began to cry. At 1:40 p.m., defendant took the girls outside again, placing
Alex on her feet in the grass. Alex sat while Felix walked toward the swings. Defendant stood Alex
up, but Alex immediately sat down and began to cry. Defendant took Alex to the swings and placed
her back-to-back against Felix on one of the swings. Alex did not stop crying after 5 to 10 minutes
of swinging, so defendant took the girls back inside. Powers testified that she never saw defendant
and the girls near the swings on June 21. Defendant conceded that, if she took the most direct path
to the swings, she would have passed Powers' building.
-7-
No. 2--04--0417
Defendant testified that, upon returning from the swings, she changed Alex's diaper and put
her in the playpen, but Alex continued to cry. Defendant left the room momentarily and returned to
activate the white-noise machine. When defendant walked in the room, Alex was not crying but her
breathing was "really congested." Defendant picked up Alex, but "[s]he was just limp, her head kind
of flopped back and she just wasn't moving." Defendant called Alex by name, but she would just
open and close her eyes as if she were "really tired." Detective Connell testified that defendant told
him that Alex's "eyes were fluttering around a little bit and she *** sounded like she was kind of
congested."
Defendant testified that she called Wendy at 2:08 p.m. to tell her that something was wrong
with Alex. When Wendy did not answer, defendant left a voice mail message. Wendy testified that
her office receptionist told her that defendant had left several messages. Defendant eventually
reached Wendy, who testified that defendant asked her "does Alex ever get floppy when she's tired?"
Wendy responded by asking what defendant meant by "floppy," and defendant said "Wendy, I'm
scared something's wrong." Wendy then said she would be "right there."
When Wendy arrived, defendant was holding Alex, who was unconscious. Defendant asked
whether Alex could "just be sleeping" and immediately handed her to Wendy. Wendy said, "no," and
directed defendant to call 911. Wendy testified that she could hear Alex breathing. Wendy cleared
Alex's mouth of vomit and peas, and defendant explained that Alex vomited while Wendy was en
route. Defendant stated that she did not call 911 immediately because all she "could think of was to
call Wendy."
Wendy and defendant each testified that, while awaiting the paramedics, defendant told
Wendy about feeding Alex lunch and playing on the swings. Defendant also said that Alex became
crabby and that, after lying down for several minutes, Alex began "breathing funny" and "her eyes
-8-
No. 2--04--0417
rolled up in her head and that's when she got floppy." Defendant also told the paramedics her version
of the events, while they treated Alex.
Shelly Carbone, who had been a paramedic for 14 years, testified that she and five other
paramedics arrived at defendant's home within one minute of the 911 call. Alex was unconscious and
unresponsive, her respiratory rate was inadequate, and her arms and legs were making "no purposeful
movement." The paramedics used a bag valve and mask to forcibly deliver oxygen to Alex. Carbone
testified that Alex scored 3 out of 15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which was the "worse [sic]
calculation for a coma score." Alex's coma score indicated no ocular response, no verbal ability, and
no motor movement. Alex's blood pressure indicated either poor cardiac output, a loss of blood, or
neurological problems. One of Alex's pupils was larger than the other, which indicated that she
suffered a traumatic neurological event. The paramedics continued ventilation and placed an
intravenous catheter in her arm.
Carbone testified that, while the paramedics treated Alex, defendant was pacing in short steps
with her arms folded, biting one of her thumbnails. Wendy was very emotional and tearful. Carbone
testified that defendant told her that Alex had played before and after lunch but had become "crabby."
Defendant explained that, when she could not rouse Alex from her post-lunch nap, she called Wendy.
Defendant told Carbone that she had been with Alex "all day" and that Alex had not fallen or gotten
into any chemicals. According to Carbone, she had to solicit all of the information from defendant
and defendant did not give it in a "free-flow manner."
Carbone observed Alex moaning but not crying, making noisy respiration sounds, and
posturing, which all indicated a traumatic neurological injury. Wendy, Todd, defendant, and
defendant's husband all went to Hinsdale Hospital, where Alex was treated.
-9-
No. 2--04--0417
Dr. Jose Quinones testified he was called to evaluate Alex at 2:50 p.m. Alex was very pale
and unresponsive to "anything," but she presented no outward signs of injury. Alex was intubated,
and CT scans were performed because Alex exhibited cerebrate posturing, a reflexive movement of
the spinal cord without any control from the upper central nervous system, manifested by the
hyperextension of the feet, hands, and legs. The CT scan disclosed blood hemorrhaging in the brain,
as well as some edema, or swelling, of the brain. Dr. Quinones diagnosed Alex with shaken baby
syndrome based on the neurological findings, the clinical condition presented by Alex, and the CT
scan.
Dr. Quinones opined that "[t]here's no wax and wane" to the condition because, once the
trauma causes the cerebral edema, the swelling progresses and "the child continues to be sick and gets
progressively sicker and eventually becomes lethargic and unresponsive." Once the trauma was
inflicted, Alex would not have been able to talk, eat, or act normally. Dr. Quinones told the parents
that he suspected child abuse and that they should talk to the authorities, whom the hospital had
alerted. Wendy and Todd told Dr. Quinones about Alex's recent vomiting, but there was some
dispute as to how much vomiting they reported. There was also some dispute as to whether the
Pirkinses characterized Alex's incident on the slide as a bump on the head or a fall to the ground.
Regardless, Dr. Quinones testified that Alex's injuries "absolutely [could] not" have been caused by
falling off a slide. Wendy and Todd failed to tell the doctor about Alex bumping her forehead on the
headboard that morning.
Alex was transferred to Christ Hope Hospital, but defendant did not follow the Pirkinses
there. Defendant testified that she left Hinsdale Hospital because there was nothing more she could
do for Alex, not because she feared the police. At that time, defendant told Todd that "nothing [had]
-10-
No. 2--04--0417
happened" to cause the injuries. At 12:30 a.m., the police arrived at defendant's home and conducted
an interview, during which defendant told them about Alex's meals and her play on the swing.
7. The Days Following Hospitalization
Records showed that defendant called her attorney less than 10 minutes before Alex was
pronounced dead at 10:34 p.m. on June 22, 1999. On her attorney's advice, defendant did not attend
Alex's wake or have any contact with the Pirkinses. Defendant testified that she did not give Wendy
her daily note taken on June 21, because she never saw Wendy again. Defendant stated that she gave
the note to her attorney one week before trial, which was five years after Alex's death.
Defendant denied accessing Internet websites describing shaken baby syndrome after she left
Hinsdale Hospital, but she acknowledged the possibility that her husband had done so. Defendant
acknowledged that she later accessed such websites on the advice of her attorney.
Detective Connell testified that, while he questioned defendant, she said, "Just ask me the
question." When he asked, "What question?" she replied, "Did I do anything to Alex?" Detective
Connell testified that he asked defendant whether she harmed Alex, and defendant said "no."
Defendant admitted that "sometimes" she would get frustrated when the girls were crying and
she could not console them. Defendant denied that she was stressed by other factors like financial
problems. She further testified that she "had some concerns at some certain times" that Alex was an
abused or neglected child and that she had told her husband about her suspicions. However,
defendant admitted that she never told the police or the Department of Children and Family Services
(DCFS) about her concerns. Defendant further admitted that nothing made her believe that Alex was
injured when she arrived at her home on the date of the incident.
B. Expert Testimony
1. The State's Experts
-11-
No. 2--04--0417
In addition to Dr. Quinones, the State called six other medical experts to opine on Alex's
condition and the cause of it. Dr. Benjamin Ticho, a pediatric ophthalmologist on staff at Christ Hope
Hospital, examined Alex's eyes to determine what she could see and whether any structural
abnormalities affected the way the parts of her eyes worked. Alex exhibited "no response to any
visual stimuli of any kind," and neither pupil constricted. The external portions of her eyes appeared
"reasonably normal," but the rear parts had multiple hemorrhages in the peripapillary area, which is
the area at the tip of the optic nerve, called the "optic disc" or "papilla." Dr. Ticho observed
hemorrhages in the center parts of the retinas and in the intraretinal and preretinal areas, but none
were seen in the edges of the retinas. The hemorrhages were similar in both eyes.
Dr. Ticho used photographs to explain his observations and opinions. Dr. Ticho stated that
one of the photos depicted flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages, which were "clinically seen in the
condition called shaken baby syndrome." He observed no evidence of blunt ocular trauma, suggesting
that the eyes had not been hit directly. Dr. Ticho opined that to a reasonable degree of medical
certainty, his findings indicated that shaking was the mechanism of injury. He concluded that in the
"absence of any alternative explanation, these types of retinal hemorrhages in this clinical setting is
virtually diagnostic of shaken baby syndrome." Dr. Ticho admitted on cross-examination that he
could not detect shaken baby syndrome strictly from an eye examination, but one "can get a very
good and high suspicion for it."
Dr. Ticho testified that neither he nor any ophthalmologist could determine an "exact" time
of injury, but he could "date" the injury based on the color of blood. In his view, Alex sustained
"fresh" injuries, which meant that they could have been just inflicted or two weeks old.
Dr. Gerardo Reyes, a critical care pediatrician on staff at Christ Hope Hospital, testified that
Alex was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a note from Hinsdale Hospital reporting
-12-
No. 2--04--0417
that she was "extremely ill with extensive brain damage." Wendy and Todd testified that, when they
arrived, he began questioning them and said to think of "every last detail no matter how insignificant
[they] they thought it was of what could have happened." They told him everything that they knew
had happened that week, including the slide incident.
Alex did not require sedation to be intubated because she was in a severe coma and had no
feeling. Dr. Reyes suspected shaken baby syndrome and consulted with Dr. Ticho and Dr. Yoon
Hahn, a pediatric neurosurgeon. Dr. Hahn concluded that Alex had cerebral edema, severe brain
damage, and internal bleeding of the brain. Dr. Reyes testified that, based on their findings and the
50 cases of shaken baby syndrome he had diagnosed in his 15 years of medical practice, he concluded
to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that Alex suffered from shaken baby syndrome. The CT
scan revealed damage to Alex's neck in the area of the cervical spine, which was consistent with
ligament damage of the neck. Alex's cause of death was "brain herniation." Dr. Reyes opined that
Alex's injuries were not consistent with having been in an accident, such as falling off a bike or
playground equipment or being struck by a car. Dr. Reyes told Wendy and Todd that Alex was
suffering from a lot of brain swelling and bleeding and that she had a "very serious neck injury."
Todd testified that, before her death, Alex had never been involved in a car crash or taken to
the hospital for treatment of any injury. Once Alex had learned to walk, she stopped crawling; she
was very active and playful and she ate normally and verbalized.
Dr. Kathleen Gruzalski, one of Alex's prior pediatricians, testified that at her one-year
checkup, Alex was described as a "very tall girl" who was in excellent health and was developing
normally. Approximately six months before her death, Alex was diagnosed with stomach flu, which
was not unusual for a child her age. Dr. Gruzalski also testified that the vomiting Alex experienced
-13-
No. 2--04--0417
before her death was not unusual for a 14-month-old girl. On cross-examination, the doctor testified
that vomiting could be caused by increased pressure on the brain after a head injury.
Dr. Wilbur Smith, an expert in pediatric radiology and pediatrics, testified that he reviewed
Alex's medical records, autopsy records, scans, and police reports. Dr. Smith also reviewed the
reports of Dr. Jan Leestma, a neuropathologist, and Dr. Ronald Uscinski, a neurosurgeon, whom the
defense retained as experts. Dr. Smith testified that Alex's CT scans showed she had two or three
head injuries. First, she suffered an injury to the subgaleal space, which indicated that there must have
been an impact to the head. Second, she suffered an injury to the subdural space, which indicated the
veins had been torn and had bled into the subdural space. Third, she suffered an injury to the
subarachnoid space, which indicated that the veins from the surface of the brain had been torn and
there was blood against the surface of the brain. The CT scans taken at Hinsdale Hospital and Christ
Hope Hospital depicted a hematoma, or fresh blood outside the blood vessel. Alex had a
subarachnoid hemorrhage and a subdural hematoma. Dr. Smith explained that "a subarachnoid
hemorrhage means that blood is against the brain and blood against the brain always gives symptoms
and always gives quite severe symptoms very fast. *** Those [adults] that are not knocked
unconscious by it say [']I have the worst headache of my life.['] It's called a thunderclap headache.
You can't see. You vomit. You have a terrible headache." Dr. Smith also identified an
intrahemispheric subdural hematoma between the two hemispheres of Alex's brain, which, he added,
"[a]lmost always comes from shaking."
Dr. Smith testified that two of the CT scans showed that Alex's brain "had suffered a very,
very severe injury" and that so many cells were dying that leaking fluid caused cerebral swelling.
Based on the subarachnoid hemorrhage and bleeding, Dr. Smith opined that Alex would have
exhibited symptoms of unbearable pain or becoming comatose within minutes of suffering the injury.
-14-
No. 2--04--0417
Moreover, Alex exhibited a "significant cervical injury," which would have rendered her comatose
and prevented her from responding to commands. The severe edema caused the joint that holds the
head together to be "blown apart." Symptoms of a spinal injury are paralysis and spinal shock, but
a person with paralysis could experience muscle spasms or twitching without any "purposeful
movement." Dr. Smith opined that neck injuries are consistent with shaking even though they occur
in only 2% of cases. Dr. Smith stated that he did not see "any evidence of an old injury on Alex,"
and, even if there had been one, it did not cause her death. Dr. Smith testified that, to a reasonable
degree of medical certainty, a combination of severe shaking and impact caused Alex's death. Dr.
Smith conferred with Dr. Adrienne Segovia, who performed Alex's autopsy, and she confirmed all
of the injuries he observed.
Dr. Segovia testified that she observed a small, irregularly shaped external bruise just below
the crown of Alex's head. Dr. Segovia further observed a similarly sized bruise over the bone of the
skull. The internal bruise was underlying the external bruise. Dr. Segovia concluded that Alex's
subdural hematoma was "recent" because it was "nonadherent" and did not stick to the dura. She
opined that Alex had not suffered an "old" injury. Dr. Segovia concluded that Alex's cervical injuries
would have directly affected her breathing and movement, resulting in paralysis. Alex's injuries were
"consistent with significant force, significant trauma." Dr. Segovia testified that, to a reasonable
degree of medical and scientific certainty, Alex's death was caused by swelling of the brain and
multiple injuries to the neck, the spinal cord, and the subdural and subarachnoid areas of the brain.
Dr. Segovia concluded that Alex's death was a result of blunt trauma inflicted by child abuse.
Dr. Randall Alexander, an expert in pediatrics and child abuse, reviewed the autopsy report,
the medical records, some of the police reports, the photos, scans, and X rays, and the reports of Drs.
Leestma, Uscinski, and Mark Schuman, who were retained by defendant. Dr. Alexander testified that
-15-
No. 2--04--0417
shaken baby syndrome occurs when a child is shaken repetitively back and forth and with such
violence that she sustains injuries. The primary injury is to the brain; developmental disabilities occur
in 25% of cases, and death results in another 25% of cases. Shaken baby syndrome requires
repetitive shaking to cause brain damage through cumulative force. Dr. Alexander characterized
shaken baby syndrome as a medically recognized diagnosis and a form of child abuse, which "most
people in medicine" recognize as possibly causing significant injury or death. He acknowledged that
contrary opinions about this diagnosis were "not surprising," but mentioned that medical experts
differ in opinion on a variety of matters.
Dr. Alexander testified that, usually, a shaken child is younger than one year old because she
is small and easy to lift. A person inflicting the injury usually holds the child under the arms and
shakes her back and forth. The head's acceleration and deceleration is a form of blunt trauma.
Studies have shown that the head does not move straight back, but will pivot to the side during
shaking. Because young children have very flexible necks, neck injury is uncommon, and a child who
survives a shaking rarely has a spinal cord injury. However, 3% to 5% of fatal shakings cause soft
tissue neck injuries. Dr. Alexander acknowledged that Alex suffered a neck injury and a hematoma
on the optic nerve, which were rare.
Dr. Alexander testified that the shaking stresses and strains blood vessels and nerve cells,
resulting in a "marker injury" of blood leaking in the subdural or subarachnoid spaces. Furthermore,
multiple layers of retinal hemorrhages, which are found in the back of the eye and in front of the
retina, are peculiar to shaken baby syndrome. Retinal hemorrhages can be caused by a rapid rise in
intracranial pressure, but only under certain circumstances, which would need to be investigated. The
least severe cases of shaken baby syndrome resemble concussions and involve irritability, lethargy,
vomiting, and irregular eating; but concussions do not have retinal hemorrhages or subdural or
-16-
No. 2--04--0417
subarachnoid bleeding. In the most severe shaken baby case, the child will become unconscious
immediately and breathing difficulties will set in. In the worst situation, posturing will occur. Dr.
Alexander testified that Alex's injuries were abusive and fit the "classical pattern of shaking with some
additional impact" indicated by bruising under the scalp. The injuries were inflicted by violent shaking
of a minimum of four or five shakes. Injuries to the brain cells would have been immediate; she
would have developed severe symptoms right after the shaking. Dr. Alexander acknowledged that
an old subdural hematoma could possibly cause brain swelling if it was "huge," but Alex's injuries as
a whole showed that she had been shaken. With a reasonable degree of medical certainty, Dr.
Alexander opined that Alex's fatal head injuries were inflicted after she ate lunch on June 21, 1999.
2. Defendant's Experts
Dr. Darinka Mileusnic, an expert in forensic pathology and anatomic pathology, testified that
Alex had suffered a subdural hematoma and spinal injury about two weeks before her death and that
it was healing at the time she suffered a second injury. The slides of the brain tissue indicated that
the new injury occurred three days from the time of death, plus or minus two days. A better medical
history would have helped estimate the time of injury. Dr. Mileusnic emphasized that Dr. Segovia's
autopsy report did not mention the thickness of the subarachnoid hemorrhage, which, in Dr.
Mileusnic's opinion, would not have necessarily caused immediate severe symptoms of
unconsciousness unless it had been at the base of the brain with a large amount of bleeding.
Dr. Mileusnic opined that neither the old subdural hematoma nor the more recent one would
have impaired Alex's ability to eat, pick peas out of carrots, or have normal motor functions. Alex
would have shown symptoms only of crankiness, lethargy, and vomiting. The bumps to Alex's head
from either the slide or the headboard could have caused the healing subdural hematoma to rebleed.
-17-
No. 2--04--0417
Dr. Mileusnic acknowledged that some experts believed that subdural hematomas could rebleed
spontaneously but this was a highly controversial opinion.
Dr. Mileusnic opined that there was no evidence of a major accident or that Alex had been
"really abused." She emphasized that there were no witnesses to the shaking, no admission by
defendant, no grab marks on Alex, and no injuries to Alex's long bones. Retinal hemorrhages are
most prevalent in child abuse cases but they can also be caused by infections, clotting disorders, blood
disorders, meningitis, or undiagnosed metabolic disorders. Dr. Mileusnic relied on the ophthalmic
report to determine that Alex's hemorrhages were one to two weeks old, but she conceded that they
could have been less than 24 hours old. On cross-examination, Dr. Mileusnic agreed that Alex had
suffered child abuse and that her injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, which was a
form of blunt trauma. She testified that, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, Alex had a
subdural hematoma approximately three days old and a spinal injury about two to three weeks old
but neither would have caused immediate unconsciousness. Dr. Mileusnic acknowledged the
uncertainty of the possibility that a rebleed of the old subdural hematoma resulted in the new trauma.
Dr. Mark Schuman, an expert in forensic pathology, opined on Alex's cause of death, but he
did not review all of the police reports or the CT scans and X rays. Dr. Schuman dated the subdural
hematoma through histology and concluded that it was 7 to 10 days old. He observed a more
traumatic event, which was "just blood" without evidence of healing. A minor bump on the head
from falling from a small slide or bumping the head on a headboard could cause an existing subdural
hematoma to rebleed. Neither of the injuries, in Dr. Schuman's opinion, would have caused
immediate unconsciousness. He did not observe any retinal hemorrhages, but he saw reports
describing them. The retinal hemorrhages could have been caused by falls, accidental head injuries,
or meningitis. When the prosecution confronted Dr. Schuman with published position papers and
-18-
No. 2--04--0417
studies indicating the seriousness of shaken baby syndrome, Dr. Schuman discounted them, but
acknowledged that shaking a 14-month-old child "doesn't seem like the good thing to do." He opined
that a head injury contributed to Alex's death, and he also agreed that it was possible that defendant
shook Alex and caused an impact to her head.
Dr. Jan Leestma, an expert in anatomic pathology and neuropathology, testified that he
reviewed the hospital records, CT scans, slides, police reports, photographs from other expert
witnesses, and the autopsy report and the other materials generated by the pathologist. He opined
that Alex suffered from a chronic subdural hematoma, the oldest parts of which were 10 days to "a
couple weeks" old, as well as a more recent subdural hematoma, which could have been 5 minutes
to several days old. He acknowledged that his dating technique had limited precision. Dr. Leestma
testified that a 14-month-old child might exhibit no symptoms from an existing subdural hematoma
or might exhibit crying, unhappiness, crankiness, fussiness, lethargy, vomiting, or sometimes seizures.
Alex's symptoms correlated with an existing subdural hematoma, but the existing subdural hematoma
could not be proven. He opined that there was no evidence that Alex had been shaken, because there
were no grip marks, which would be expected on a 22-pound child. Dr. Leestma acknowledged that,
in 1997, he testified in another case that retinal hemorrhages were typically caused by shaking and
were a "red flag" for trauma and that, in 2001, he testified that "children who suffer life threatening
head injuries are symptomatic immediately." He also conceded that, as he wrote in a 1988 textbook,
the "coexistence of intracranial hemorrhage and retinal hemorrhage is strongly suggestive of willful
rather than accidental injury." However, he concluded that there was no evidence of a shaking
trauma in this case and that there was an evolving body of experimental evidence in the field.
Dr. Ronald Uscinski, an expert in neurosurgery, testified that his review of the CT scans
disclosed an abnormality in the architecture of Alex's brain; a layer of fresh blood over both cerebral
-19-
No. 2--04--0417
hemispheres of the brain; a small amount of blood over and below the tentorium, which indicated
fresh blood in the subdural space; and oxygen depletion. He concluded that Alex's subdural
hematoma was so small that it could be "clinically silent" and was probably several days old.
Dr. Uscinski opined that Alex's subdural hematoma would not have caused immediate
unconsciousness when it formed. He concluded that her vomiting and lethargy were signs of an
existing hematoma, which would manifest itself after an injury and expand slowly so the person
becomes symptomatic "weeks or months" later. Dr. Uscinski gleaned from the autopsy findings and
medical records that Alex had not suffered a spinal cord injury, because she was breathing and
moving her legs. He concluded that Alex had not been shaken, because a person could not generate
the force required to cause her intracranial injury. He disagreed with Dr. Alexander's view that
"shaken baby syndrome was a serious and clearly definable form of child abuse."
3. The State's Rebuttal Witnesses
Dr. Hannes Vogel, an expert in pediatrics, anatomic pathology, and neuropathology, testified
that he reviewed the histologic sections from the autopsy, the medical examiner's report, the
photographs, the hospital records, some of the well-baby records, deposition transcripts, the police
reports, and opinions of the other experts. In Dr. Vogel's opinion, there was "absolutely no evidence
in this case of a preexisting injury to [Alex]." Dr. Vogel then explained his interpretation of the
evidence in reaching his conclusion. Dr. Vogel identified an injury to the spinal cord, retinal
hemorrhages, and a subdural hematoma caused by trauma. He stated that there was no evidence of
a subdural hematoma that had rebled. Dr. Vogel also identified a subgaleal hemorrhage, which
signified a "significant blow to the back of the head, *** not the sort of thing that kids get when they
just bump their heads." He concluded that Alex would have become symptomatic within a matter of
seconds or one minute after the injuries were inflicted.
-20-
No. 2--04--0417
Dr. Mary Case, an expert in forensic pathology, neuropathology, and anatomical pathology,
stated that, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, Alex suffered an acceleration-deceleration
injury, which caused the brain to rotate on its axis. Like the State's other experts, she testified that
Alex died from an abusive head injury and was the victim of homicide. However, she did not
characterize Alex's condition as shaken baby syndrome because she did not know whether Alex
suffered an impact as well as shaking.
C. Posttrial Procedure
Following the jury's guilty verdict, defendant moved for a new trial, alleging several trial
errors and deprivations of various constitutional rights. The only issue raised in the motion that
defendant revisits on appeal is whether she was proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. On April
22, 2004, the trial court imposed a 35-year prison term, and defendant filed a timely notice of appeal.
ANALYSIS
On appeal, defendant argues that (1) "the expert testimony regarding shaken baby syndrome,
absent any additional evidence to demonstrate [defendant's] guilt, was insufficient to prove her guilty
beyond a reasonable doubt"; and (2) "the prosecutor's surprise and unsubstantiated propensity
argument that [defendant] committed an act of abuse five days before the charged offense combined
with its misstatement of the law regarding other crimes evidence warrants reversal." We disagree
with both propositions.
A. Expert Testimony
The jury found defendant guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. The counts alleged that
on June 21, 1999, "defendant, without lawful justification, shook and/or caused blunt trauma to the
head of Alexandra Pirkins, knowing said act or acts created a strong probability of great bodily harm
-21-
No. 2--04--0417
[count III] [or] death [count IV] to Alexandra Pirkins, thereby causing the death of Alexandra
Pirkins." See 720 ILCS 5/9--1(a)(2) (West 2004).
On appeal, defendant challenges the State's scientific evidence by framing the issue as
"whether expert testimony in the highly controversial area of shaken baby syndrome offered to prove
the manner and timing that the victim's fatal injuries were inflicted, absent any other evidence of the
defendant's guilt, amounts to proof beyond a reasonable doubt for the offense of murder."
It is well settled that the decision to admit or exclude expert testimony is within the sound
discretion of the trial court. Thompson v. Gordon, 221 Ill. 2d 414, 428 (2006). A person may testify
as an expert if his experience and qualifications afford him knowledge that is not common to
laypersons, and if his testimony will aid the trier of fact in reaching its conclusions. Thompson, 221
Ill. 2d at 428. " 'There is no predetermined formula for how an expert acquires specialized knowledge
or experience and the expert can gain such through practical experience, scientific study, education,
training or research.' " Thompson, 221 Ill. 2d at 428-29, quoting People v. Miller, 173 Ill. 2d 167,
186 (1996). "Thus, '[f]ormal academic training or specific degrees are not required to qualify a
person as an expert; practical experience in a field may serve just as well to qualify him.' " Thompson,
221 Ill. 2d at 429, quoting Lee v. Chicago Transit Authority, 152 Ill. 2d 432, 459 (1992). To testify,
an expert need only have knowledge and experience beyond that of an average citizen. Thompson,
221 Ill. 2d at 429. "Expert testimony, then, is admissible 'if the proffered expert is qualified by
knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, and the testimony will assist the trier of fact in
understanding the evidence.' " Thompson, 221 Ill. 2d at 429, quoting Snelson v. Kamm, 204 Ill. 2d
1, 24 (2003).
Defendant does not challenge the credentials of the State's expert witnesses. Instead, she
implicitly challenges the science underlying their opinions by asserting that the theory of shaken baby
-22-
No. 2--04--0417
syndrome is "highly controversial" and "hotly contested." Illinois courts follow the Frye test in
determining the admissibility of expert testimony based on novel scientific evidence. Donaldson v.
Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 76-77 (2002), overruled on other grounds, In re
Commitment of Simons, 213 Ill. 2d 523 (2004). The "general acceptance" test articulated in Frye
provides that scientific evidence is admissible only if the methodology or scientific principle upon
which the opinion is based is sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the
particular field in which it belongs. Frye, 293 F. at 1014; Donaldson, 199 Ill. 2d at 77. However,
general acceptance does not require that the methodology be accepted by unanimity, consensus, or
even a majority of experts. Donaldson, 199 Ill. 2d at 78.
Because scientific evidence generally carries with it a heightened degree of reliability, a Frye
hearing is conducted to weed out unreliable evidence that may fall under the guise of scientific
evidence. If the novel scientific evidence has gained general acceptance in the particular field in which
it belongs, then the evidence is presumed reliable and will be deemed admissible under Frye. Agnew
v. Shaw, 355 Ill. App. 3d 981, 988 (2005). Subjecting novel scientific evidence to the
general-acceptance test reduces the risk of relying on invalid evidence. Donaldson, 199 Ill. 2d at 78.
To supplement her indirect attempt to attack the admissibility of the State's expert opinions,
defendant has cited to several treatises, newspaper articles, and medical journals challenging the
theory of shaken baby syndrome. However, these materials were not filed in the trial court, and the
State has moved to strike them. We ordered the motion to be taken with the case. Recently our
supreme court has ruled that, when reviewing a trial court's ruling, we may rely upon materials that
were not part of the trial record to determine whether a Frye hearing is required and, if so, whether
the scientific technique at issue is generally accepted in the relevant scientific community. Simons,
213 Ill. 2d at 530. Illinois courts follow a dual standard of review with respect to the trial court's
-23-
No. 2--04--0417
admission of expert scientific testimony. The decision as to whether an expert scientific witness is
qualified to testify in a subject area, and whether the proffered testimony is relevant in a particular
case, remains in the sound discretion of the trial court. Simons, 213 Ill. 2d 530-31. The trial court's
Frye analysis, however, is subject to de novo review. In conducting such de novo review, the
reviewing court may consider not only the trial court record but also, where appropriate, sources
outside the record, including legal and scientific articles, as well as court opinions from other
jurisdictions. Simons, 213 Ill. 2d at 531. Consistent with Simons, we deny the State's motion to
strike the references to and arguments derived from the materials defendant cites for the first time on
appeal. However, for the following reasons, we conclude that defendant has waived any challenge
under Frye to the scientific evidence.
In the trial court, defendant failed to invoke Frye to challenge the admissibility of the State's
expert testimony. In fact, defendant inexplicably fails to even cite Frye on appeal. In Snelson v.
Kamm, 204 Ill. 2d 1 (2003), the supreme court decided that the failure to request a Frye hearing
results in the waiver of any objection to the foundation of an expert's opinion. Snelson, 204 Ill. 2d
at 24; see also People v. Johnson, 218 Ill. 2d 125, 138 (2005) (a criminal defendant's failure to object
at trial leads to "procedural default"). In Snelson, Kamm neither objected to the admissibility of the
expert testimony nor filed a motion for an evidentiary hearing to determine its admissibility under
Frye. Snelson, 204 Ill. 2d at 24. Because the record showed that Kamm did not object to the
underlying foundation of the opposing expert's testimony at trial, the supreme court concluded that
the issue had been forfeited on appeal. Snelson, 204 Ill. 2d at 25, citing People v. Moore, 171 Ill. 2d
74, 98 (1996) (defendant waived Frye issue by failing to present expert testimony at Frye hearing).
This court has similarly held that a party waives an objection under Frye by failing to preserve
the issue in the trial court. See, e.g., In re Commitment of Bushong, 351 Ill. App. 3d 807 (2004);
-24-
No. 2--04--0417
In re Detention of Swope, 343 Ill. App. 3d 152, 158 (2003), aff'd on other grounds, 213 Ill. 2d 210(2004). Therefore, we conclude that defendant has waived the issue of the admissibility of the State's
expert testimony. Furthermore, defendant does not urge us to excuse her waiver by addressing the
issue under the plain error doctrine.
While defendant has never alleged that any of the State's experts were unqualified to testify,
she argues that their opinions should be disregarded because they are unpersuasive and do not
support the conviction. The basis for a witness's opinion generally does not affect his standing as an
expert; such matters go only to the weight of the evidence. See Snelson, 204 Ill. 2d at 26. "Indeed,
the weight to be assigned to an expert opinion is for the jury to determine in light of the expert's
credentials and the factual basis of his opinion." Snelson, 204 Ill. 2d at 27. Therefore, we view
defendant's issue as one regarding the sufficiency of the scientific evidence rather than its
admissibility.
B. Sufficiency of the Evidence
"A person who kills an individual without lawful justification commits first-degree murder if,
in performing the acts which cause the death[, s]he knows that such acts create a strong probability
of death or great bodily harm to that individual or another." 720 ILCS 5/9--1(a)(2) (West 2004).
Defendant argues that "the expert testimony was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that
Alex Pirkins died as a result of shaken baby or shaken impact syndrome."
When considering a challenge based upon the sufficiency of the evidence supporting a criminal
conviction, a reviewing court does not retry the defendant. People v. Smith, 185 Ill. 2d 532, 541
(1999). "When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, 'the relevant question 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.' " (Emphasis in original.)
-25-
No. 2--04--0417
People v. Bishop, 218 Ill. 2d 232, 249 (2006), quoting Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 61
L. Ed. 2d 560, 573, 99 S. Ct. 2781, 2789 (1979); People v. Collins, 106 Ill. 2d 237, 261 (1985).
"Testimony may be found insufficient under the Jackson standard, but only where the record evidence
compels the conclusion that no reasonable person could accept it beyond a reasonable doubt." People
v. Cunningham, 212 Ill. 2d 274, 280 (2004). This standard of review applies in all criminal cases,
whether the evidence is direct or circumstantial, as much of the evidence is in this case. People v.
Tenney, 205 Ill. 2d 411, 427 (2002).
Our duty is to carefully examine the evidence while giving due consideration to the fact that
the court and jury saw and heard the witnesses. The testimony of a single witness, if it is positive and
the witness credible, is sufficient to convict. Smith, 185 Ill. 2d at 541. While the credibility of a
witness is within the province of the jury, and the finding of the jury on such a matter is entitled to
great weight, the jury's determination is not conclusive. We will reverse a conviction where the
evidence is so unreasonable, improbable, or unsatisfactory as to create a reasonable doubt of the
defendant's guilt. Smith, 185 Ill. 2d at 542.
Defendant admitted that her prior employer, Kindercare, had instructed her that shaking a
child would be dangerous and possibly fatal. Thus, there is no dispute that, at the time of the acts that
caused Alex's death, defendant knew that such acts would create a strong probability of death or great
bodily harm to Alex. See 720 ILCS 5/9--1(a)(2) (West 2004). However, defendant argues that the
circumstantial evidence is insufficient to prove that she performed the acts that caused Alex's death.
The State's various medical experts testified that Alex exhibited the symptoms of shaken baby
syndrome, including a subdural hematoma and retinal hemorrhages. The experts also opined that the
symptoms of shaken baby syndrome manifest themselves almost immediately after the infliction of
the injury; and no one disputes that defendant had control over Alex at the time she lost
-26-
No. 2--04--0417
consciousness. Specifically, Dr. Quinones diagnosed Alex with shaken baby syndrome based on the
neurological findings, the clinical condition presented by Alex, and the CT scan. Dr. Ticho concluded
that in the "absence of any alternative explanation, these types of retinal hemorrhages in this clinical
setting is virtually diagnostic of shaken baby syndrome." Dr. Reyes testified that, based on the
findings and the 50 cases of shaken baby syndrome he had diagnosed in his 15 years of medical
practice, he concluded to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that Alex suffered from shaken
baby syndrome. Dr. Smith testified that, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, he believed that
a combination of severe shaking and impact caused Alex's death. Dr. Segovia testified that, to a
reasonable degree of medical and scientific certainty, Alex's death was caused by swelling of the brain
and multiple injuries to the neck, the spinal cord, and the subdural and subarachnoid areas of the
brain. Furthermore, some of defendant's experts testified equivocally about their conclusions to the
contrary. The jury was free to credit the State's experts and discredit defendant's experts, and the
verdict reflects that the jury did so.
Even if the State were required as defendant suggests to "prove beyond a reasonable doubt
that no one else had opportunity to commit the crime," we conclude that the circumstantial evidence
allows such an inference. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution requires
us to allow all reasonable inferences from the record in favor of the prosecution. See Cunningham,
212 Ill. 2d at 280. Defendant conceded at trial that Alex lost consciousness while in her care, and
more than one expert testified that Alex would have become symptomatic almost immediately after
suffering her fatal condition. No one suggests that anyone other than defendant had control over
Alex during the hours immediately preceding her loss of consciousness on June 21, 1999, and
defendant denies that Alex suffered any external injury at all on that date. We must allow the jury's
-27-
No. 2--04--0417
reasonable inference from this evidence that defendant's denials are incredible and that defendant
inflicted the injuries causing Alex's death.
"Examining the trial evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we believe a rational
trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt." People
v. Jordan, 218 Ill. 2d 255, 270 (2006).
C. Prosecution's Rebuttal Argument
Next, defendant argues that she was prejudiced when, during rebuttal argument, the
prosecution commented on Alex's condition five days before she died. In defendant's view, the
prosecution improperly attempted to prove her propensity to commit murder by asserting that she
committed prior bad acts. The State responds that (1) defendant waived the issue by failing to object
to the rebuttal at trial, (2) the prosecution's comments were not prejudicial, and (3) even if they were
prejudicial, defense counsel's closing argument provoked them. We agree with all of the State's
arguments.
Defendant's theory is that Alex suffered an "undetected accident" and died from a preexisting
subdural hematoma, which caused the lethargy and crabbiness she exhibited on the days preceding
her death. For instance, during closing argument, defense counsel asserted that "[o]ne of the
symptoms is lethargy, whether you call it lethargic, sleepy, whatever, I'm not going to characterize
the evidence. The evidence is the child slept all day Wednesday, that was very unusual. That's
uncontraverted."
The prosecution's allegedly prejudicial rebuttal is as follows:
"You know, there was conversation about Wednesday [June 16, 2001,] and
Wednesday [Alex] was crabby at the defendant's house. And Wednesday she slept all day.
Think about that. She's at the defendant's house and she's crabby. What do we know about
-28-
No. 2--04--0417
kids that are shaken? They become lethargic and sleepy. What does she do? She sleeps all
day at the defendant's house.
Now, we haven't given you any proof that she shook Alex on Wednesday. You can
consider circumstantially whatever you want. We are telling you the injuries happened on
[Monday] the 21st. We know because all of the doctors have said that there is an intervening
act that killed her that day regardless of whether you believed she had some old injury ***.
Regardless of that, that particular day the injuries were so sufficient as to kill her.
Think about it. It worked on Wednesday. She was crying on Monday. If I shake her
and she sleeps all day on Wednesday, maybe it will work on Monday. But on Monday
[defendant] went too far. On Monday [defendant] shook [Alex] more. On Monday she didn't
put her to sleep. She silenced her."
The trial court did not rule on the propriety of the prosecution's rebuttal argument, because
defendant did not object at trial and did not challenge the argument in a posttrial motion. Because
defendant did not object to the prosecution's remarks at trial, any issue concerning their propriety has
been procedurally defaulted. See Johnson, 218 Ill. 2d at 138; People v. Enoch, 122 Ill. 2d 176, 186
(1988) (both a trial objection and a written posttrial motion raising the issue are necessary to preserve
an issue for review). Defendant asks us to excuse her procedural default of the closing argument
issue under the plain error doctrine.
In People v. Nicholas, 218 Ill. 2d 104 (2005), our supreme court recently restated the plain
error doctrine:
" '[T]he plain error doctrine bypasses normal forfeiture principles and allows a
reviewing court to consider unpreserved error when either (1) the evidence is close,
regardless of the seriousness of the error, or (2) the error is serious, regardless of the
-29-
No. 2--04--0417
closeness of the evidence. In the first instance, the defendant must prove "prejudicial error."
That is, the defendant must show both that there was plain error and that the evidence was
so closely balanced that the error alone severely threatened to tip the scales of justice against
him. The State, of course, can respond by arguing that the evidence was not closely balanced,
but rather strongly weighted against the defendant. In the second instance, the defendant
must prove there was plain error and that the error was so serious that it affected the fairness
of the defendant's trial and challenged the integrity of the judicial process. [Citation.]
Prejudice to the defendant is presumed because of the importance of the right involved,
"regardless of the strength of the evidence." [Citation.] In both instances, the burden of
persuasion remains with the defendant.' " (Emphasis omitted.) Nicholas, 218 Ill. 2d at 120-
21, quoting People v. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d 167, 186-87 (2005).
Before we may apply either prong of the plain error doctrine, however, there must be a plain
error. Nicholas, 218 Ill. 2d at 121. Here, there was no error at all. Generally, prosecutors have wide
latitude in the content of their closing arguments. People v. Evans, 209 Ill. 2d 194, 225 (2004).
Statements must be considered in the context of the closing arguments as a whole, and counsel may
comment upon defense characterizations of the evidence or case. "Further, in the context of rebuttal
argument, 'when defense counsel provokes a response, the defendant cannot complain that the
prosecutor's reply denied him a fair trial.' " Evans, 209 Ill. 2d at 225, quoting People v. Hudson, 157
Ill. 2d 401, 445 (1993). Comments during closing argument are reversible error only if they were
both improper and so prejudicial that real justice was denied or the verdict of the jury may have
resulted from the error. Evans, 209 Ill. 2d at 225. In closing, the prosecution may comment on the
evidence and any fair, reasonable inferences it yields, even if such inferences reflect negatively on the
defendant. Nicholas, 218 Ill. 2d at 121.
-30-
No. 2--04--0417
When viewing defense counsel's closing argument and the prosecution's rebuttal as a whole,
it is clear that no plain error occurred. Defense counsel argued that Alex was lethargic on
Wednesday, June 16, 2001, because an undetected accident caused a subdural hematoma, which led
to her death five days later. We agree with the State that the rebuttal argument alerted the jury to
a reasonable alternative explanation for the lethargy: Alex suffered blunt force trauma from
defendant's shaking on that date. The prosecution acknowledged that it had not introduced medical
evidence of a shaking on June 16 but properly argued that the jury could infer from the circumstantial
evidence--Alex's lethargy--that a shaking occurred. Defendant characterizes the prosecution's
comments during rebuttal as improper "other crimes evidence," when, in fact, they are merely
argument based on the same evidence of Alex's lethargy on June 16 that defense counsel emphasized
in closing argument.
When placed in context, it is clear that the prosecution was informing the jury that it could
reasonably infer from Alex's prolonged lethargy that defendant shook her on Wednesday, June 16,
2001, as well as Monday, June 21, 2001, the date of her hospitalization. Even if the prosecution
improperly characterized the evidence, the prosecution did not dwell on the possibility that defendant
shook Alex on June 16. Instead, the prosecution expressly conceded that there was no scientific
evidence of a shaking on that date. The prosecution properly argued that a finding of abuse on June
16 was unnecessary because the expert testimony regarding Alex's condition on June 21 was sufficient
to convict.
Defendant argues that the prosecution misstated the law by saying that "[y]ou can consider
circumstantially whatever you want" when reviewing the evidence of Alex's lethargy on Wednesday,
June 16, 2001. The prosecution's isolated, off-the-cuff statement was imprecise but not prejudicial.
Following closing argument, the trial court instructed the jury that "[c]ircumstantial evidence is the
-31-
No. 2--04--0417
proof of facts or circumstances which give rise to a reasonable inference of other facts which tend
to show the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Circumstantial evidence should be considered by
you together with all the other evidence in the case in arriving at your verdict." Defendant does not
suggest that the trial court erred in instructing the jury. Thus, even if the prosecution misstated the
law of circumstantial evidence, the trial court's instruction cured any defect.
We conclude that the prosecution's comments were not error, and therefore, defendant has
not met her burden under the plain error doctrine and no reversal of the conviction is required.
For the preceding reasons, the judgment of the circuit court of Du Page County is affirmed.
O'MALLEY and KAPALA, JJ., concur.
-32-