Opinion ID: 1994158
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Defense Version

Text: Appellant testified in his own defense, stating that, contrary to the government's argument, Armstead had actually tried to rob appellant, not the other way around. According to him, at about 10:00 p.m. on the day the events at issue occurred, Armstead called him and requested that he come to Armstead's apartment and cut his hair. A barber and the owner of the Full Effect barbershop for over 18 years, appellant commonly made house calls of this sort for an extra charge, especially on weekend-nights, when people often wanted a touch-up to their hairstyles before going out. Appellant testified that Armstead was a regular customer who usually got his hair cut at Full Effect, but that he had also previously cut Armstead's hair at his apartment building. Appellant testified that because Full Effect was a cash-only business, he sometimes carried a revolver to protect both himself and his business even though he knew it was illegal for him to do so. Thus, upon receiving the call from Armstead, appellant took his hair cutting supplies and his gun with him to the apartment building where Armstead was located. Appellant testified that he went straight to the third floor apartment, where Armstead had indicated he would be, and knocked on the door. Armstead stepped into the hallway. After a second or two, appellant realized that Armstead was breathing real heavy. He was like ... all bugged out.... He looked like he was high or fidgety about something. In response, appellant backed up off him, that is, took a couple steps away from him. Armstead then demanded that appellant give him his M F money, then reached into his back pocket and pulled out a knife. Appellant testified that he backed up further because he didn't want to get stabbed. [He] didn't want to get hurt, and that's when [he] reached for [his] gun. Appellant admitted that he tried to shoot the knife out of Armstead's hand but did not know if he was successful. He shot the gun a second time, he testified, because Armstead continued to charge him. Only then did Armstead run away. Appellant himself then ran down the stairs and away from Armstead.