the State moved for an extension of the term so that the State could continue to search for Lonnie Walker, one of the passengers in the car who were the targets of the shooting. The State claimed that Walker was an essential witness.
Thomas Quinn, a State's Attorney investigator, testified for the State on its motion that he was first asked in early October 1997 to locate Walker to serve him with a subpoena for court dates that month. Walker had been released from jail in September to a rehabilitation program but left without permission on October 5, 1997. Ever since Walker had fled, Quinn and three other investigators had been looking for him at several locations, including the homes of relatives. The State believed *673 that, if awarrant were issued for Walker's violation of parole, it would be extremely helpful to the State in finding him.
Over defendant's objection, the trial court extended the speedy-trial term 30 days until January 20, 1997, and on that day, the trial commenced.
Defendant moved in limine to prohibit reference at trial to drug dealing and gang membership. The motion was denied.
Bennie Hogue testified at trial that he spent the day on October 26, 1995, with Joe Hegwood painting the exterior of a house at 1840 S. Sawyer Street. As he was working, he observed across the street a group of five young men standing in a vacant lot most of the day. At about 5:30 p.m., he heard about 35 gunshots. He was hit by several bullets, but he did