If you were a Juror...

[Dodgergirl]

I have been following this case for awhile, it's a crazy story. Would you convict this man? I, for one, (after reviewing evidence and being sure he was telling the true story of the events), would definitely not charge him with murder.



Last summer, a Fresno hotel was the scene of a bloody battle between two men. When the fighting ended Laross Jenkins was dead. Now, several months later, Scott Burch is on trial for murder.

The men were in Fresno for a week of job training. They apparently got drunk together, and then something went terribly wrong.

(the account gets sorta graphic)

http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/16664881.html

[Michelle]

Wow reading the story DG I would have to agree with you on this one. I don't think I could say he was guilty. I mean what would any man do waking up from a hard night of drinking and then waking up to your friend of the same sex doing that.. any man would start swinging and not stop. hard to divide murder and self defense..

[only1alphafemale]

I dont believe I would find him guilty of murder either, just on whats been presented so far in the 24news article. He was defending himself.

If the victim had been a woman who was being raped? and a fight ensued? and she killed her attacker? I would not find her guilty for what I see as an act of self-defense.

I am sure that future evidence yet to be presented will "unfold" the story as to why a murder charge was filed~

[cadetgreene]

Sounds like self defense to me. That's my vote.

[MadScot]

I'd need to hear more before making a decision. All we hear here is the story of who is left alive. Does the evidence back up his story. Murder seems a bit much either way maybe the DA is trying to get him to plead down to manslaughter. I can see the point of contention here. It involves the use of deadly force. The man would have a better case if he had shot him. Typically if you beat a person to death there comes a point where they are no longer a danger to you long before you reach the point of killing them. I would assume the DA will say this man went past the point of defending himself.

[citizen]

I agree with Madscot. I wouldn't be able to decide based upon what the media prints. I would have to see the evidence. If, in fact, this guy is telling the truth... yes, self defense is a reasonable defense. I see Madscot's point. If the person had been shot with a gun, it would be a much more open and shut case if all of the evidence shows self defense. However, it seems much harder to prove self defense when you beat someone to death. It seems like one would be able to get away from the attacker without murdering them.