Okay, this reply is 2-years later, but I just found this web site. FYI - I am a friend of the murder victim Julie Grace. They CAN prove first-degree murder. Not only did George Thompson beat her and cause her to hit her head against the dresser - he left her lying on her bedroom floor for three days and only called the paramedics after she was dead. He has a history of domestic abuse and if beating someone and leaving them to die isn't first-degree murder, I don't know what is.
Were they fighting about the Cubs and White Sox rivalry? Please tell me--I gotta know!
Illinois is a "felony murder" state. Under the felony murder rule, a death resulting from a forcible felony (such as battery) can result in first-degree murder charges. No need to prove premeditation.
well that does change thing a bit doesn't it.