State v. Caldwell

HARRIS, Justice.

Defendant Caldwell was tried and convicted of second-degree murder for the death of Ellen Egan, his live-in girlfriend. Defendant’s three assignments of error separately challenging jury instructions were rejected by the court of appeals. On further review we agree and affirm the trial court.

Defendant and Ellen were out with friends at several Halloween parties in Iowa City. Throughout the evening they became more and more intoxicated. After a quarrel they separated. Defendant went home while Ellen went to another party where she reportedly became even more intoxicated. Ellen…