VICTIM’S STATEMENTS RULED ADMISSABLE IN MICHAEL ALFONSO TRIAL

WHEATON – State’s Attorney Joe Birkett today announced that in the case of the People v. Michael Alfonso, the Trial Court ruled that statements made by the victim, Genoveva Franco Velasquez, to friends and police officers regarding an assault and threats made by the defendant, accused murderer Michael Alfonso (d.ob. 6-26-69), will be admissible in court when the State presents its case.

Judge Kathryn Creswell agreed with the State’s premise that the rule of forfeiture by wrongdoing applies to all cases in Illinois.

State’s Attorney Birkett applauded Judge Creswell’s decision as an important victory not just in this case but for all victims. “The rule of forfeiture by wrongdoing exists in order to prevent criminals from benefiting by their wrongdoing in causing the unavailability of a witness, especially in a murder case.”

Alfonso is on trial for the June 6, 2001 murder of Velasquez as she approached a restaurant where she worked as an assistant manager.

The case has been continued to May 12, 2006 for further motions in front of Judge Creswell.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

###