Court Opinion

ID: 9590612
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 23:56:37.362451+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:37:14.344224
License: Public Domain

Justice Webb
concurring.
I concur in the result reached by the majority, but I do not agree with all its reasons.
I do not believe it is harmless error if the court refuses to charge on heat of passion when there is evidence to support it and the jury finds the defendant guilty of first-degree murder. In this case, I would find no error because I do not believe there is evidence to support such a charge.
The evidence shows the defendant’s passion was not suddenly aroused by finding his wife with a paramour. The defendant went to his wife’s apartment with the intention of doing her or someone harm. His intent was formed before the apartment door was opened. I do not believe what happened afterward aroused his passion so that malice was eliminated.