Opinion ID: 1613489
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Fields Version

Text: Fields asserts that as soon as he went out to the scuffle, he assumed the role of peacemaker/mediator. Fields grabbed Ertz (the bar manager) and Ertz struck him. In testimony, Doty conceded that Fields' actions might be able to be construed as conciliatory. Three other bouncers employed by the bar, Friesth, Bruns and Scott Fodness (Fodness) the homicide victim, came outside. Bruns noticed Ertz and Fodness shoving Padovani and Fields down the sidewalk. Despite Bruns' exhortations to Ertz and Fodness to re-enter the bar, the two remained engaged with Fields and Padovani. At this juncture, the encounter split into two groups, with Fields facing Fodness. Fodness pushed Fields into Dakota Avenue, where the two exchanged blows and then wrestled in the middle of the street. Bruns directed traffic for the two and tried to watch. Bruns saw Fodness pick Fields off the ground, lead him to the other side of the street, and take Fields down to the ground. Fields struggled to get away from Fodness as he was being led across the street. An eyewitness, one Wallin, heard Fodness tell Fields in explicit terms, to depart the area. This occurred as Fodness led Fields across the street. According to Wallin, once across the street, Fodness disengaged, then approached Fields again and the two attempted to hit each other. Fields went to the ground and Fodness came over Fields. Fields then pulled his knife and stabbed Fodness. Fodness had no knife. Fields expresses that he does not remember the sequence of events surrounding the stabbing. Fields asserted and alleged the testimony shows that he continually retreated from Fodness and that Fodness was the aggressor. He alleged that he was repeatedly struck by Fodness and was in fear for his life. He also alleged that Fodness and the rest of the bouncers continued to scuffle even after Fields' protestations and retreats.