Doles v. State

Richard B. Adkisson, Chief Justice.

After a trial by jury, appellant, Barney Lee Dole, was convicted of the second-degree murder of James Harris and sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Correction. On appeal we reverse, holding that appellant was entitled to a jury instruction on justification (self-defense).

On the evening of the shooting appellant, Lisa Dean, and the victim were drinking together. All three were good friends. Lisa was a hitchhiker appellant had brought to Arkansas after picking her up in Florida. However, at the time of the incident, Lisa was living with the victim in…