State v. Dunson

LAVORATO, Justice.

This appeal from a conviction of assault with intent to inflict serious injury involves the propriety of the district court’s refusal to give a self-defense instruction and to admit evidence of the victim’s subsequent violent act. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

I. Background Facts and Proceedings.

On April 18,1987, Willie Lee Dunson, the defendant, became embroiled in a fight with his live-in girlfriend Lucille O’Neal. The fight started at the residence of a friend when Dunson struck O’Neal with a belt. After the couple was separated by several others who were present,…