State v. King

The defendant appeals from his conviction of manslaughter in the first degree in violation of General Statutes § 53a-55 (a) (3) (reckless manslaughter in the first degree).1 The defendant argues *587that the trial court improperly failed to charge the jury that the defense of self-defense was applicable to this crime as well as to other lesser included offenses. We agree and reverse the judgment of the trial court.

This case arose out of a barroom argument that led to a fight in the parking lot outside the bar. The victim died of a stab wound to the heart and the defendant was charged with murder.…