From time to time, I've seen threads about legal implications of an overly light trigger pull, caliber selection, and even using reloads for defense. Here's a new twist. A jury convicted a school custodian of manslaughter in the first degree. In Kentucky, after conviction, the jury hears additional evidence pertinent to sentencing and recommends a sentence.
The now convicted defendant was a school custodian. Defense attorneys argued the shooting victim and co-workier bullied the defendant and once pulled a knife on him. The prosecutor argued in reply:
This is the first time I recall hearing where a prosecutor used a relatively heavy trigger pull as part of the evidence and argument against a defendant. In this case, I think it fit given the fact the defendant fired 15 shots. BTW, I am acquainted with the prosecutor.
Oh yes, from the number of shots and the trigger pull weight, I'm speculating it was a SW Sigma.
The now convicted defendant was a school custodian. Defense attorneys argued the shooting victim and co-workier bullied the defendant and once pulled a knife on him. The prosecutor argued in reply:
"Fayette schools custodian helper is found guilty of manslaughter," Lexington Herald-Leader, Nov. 10, 2010. Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/11/10/1517744/fayette-schools-custodian-helper.html#ixzz14vhFdlpN."Where is his responsibility in this?" Red Corn [the prosecutor] repeatedly said to the jury.
She said McGuire shot Donato because he was mad at him.
The Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun McGuire used to shoot his co-worker had a 10-pound trigger pull — not an easy gun to fire, the assistant Fayette Commonwealth's attorney said. McGuire shot at Donato 15 times, hitting him in various parts of his body 12 of those times, she said.
This is the first time I recall hearing where a prosecutor used a relatively heavy trigger pull as part of the evidence and argument against a defendant. In this case, I think it fit given the fact the defendant fired 15 shots. BTW, I am acquainted with the prosecutor.
Oh yes, from the number of shots and the trigger pull weight, I'm speculating it was a SW Sigma.