Opinion ID: 1695145
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: should there have been a jury instruction regarding the lesser included offense of manslaughter?

Text: The trial court correctly refused to give a jury instruction regarding the lesser included offense of manslaughter. The essential elements of manslaughter are (1) the reckless killing of another person, or (2) the killing of a person due to a sudden heat of passion caused by a provocation recognized by law. Code 1975, § 13A-6-3(a)(1)(2). The appellant presented no evidence at trial which could possibly form the basis for a manslaughter instruction. Pott's defense consisted of a complete denial of killing the victim, and no evidence was ever introduced to prove that the death of Wendy Wakin was due to recklessness or heat of passion. While the trial court properly refused to give a manslaughter instruction, it did give the jury instructions regarding the lesser included offense of murder pursuant to § 13A-6-2(a)(1). Therefore, the jury had the option to find Potts guilty of murder, absent the aggravating circumstances of carnal knowledge or rape, and fix his punishment at something less than life imprisonment without parole. § 13A-6-2(a)(3), (c).