State v. Jessen

STRUCKMEYER, Chief Justice.

Appellant was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He appeals. Reversed.

On August 6, 1979, appellant armed himself with a gun and went to the office of James P. Ameche, Manager of the Phoenix Branch of the Sigmatics Corporation, to resolve a pay dispute. A confrontation occurred which ended when appellant fired five shots, four of which hit Ameche, killing him. Appellant claimed self-defense, asserting he feared the victim because of his size and because he believed Ameche was a violent person and associated with organized crime.…