Mr. Simmons was convicted of the first-degree murder of Deborah Tressler, who was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, stabbed and fatally beaten in 2001. The jury voted unanimously to recommend a death sentence and the trial court condemned Mr. Simmons. This Court upheld his conviction and death sentence on direct appeal. Mr. Simmons filed a postconviction challenge in the trial court. His claims were denied and this appeal followed.

Lake County