State v. Goodson

Harwell, Chief Justice:

James E. Goodson (Goodson) appeals his murder conviction, alleging that the trial judge erred in failing to instruct the jury on the defenses of accident and self-defense. We disagree and affirm.

I. Facts

On the evening of January 4, 1992, Goodson was drinking and playing pool with friends at a local bar. An argument over a dollar bet erupted between Goodson and Jake Floyd (Floyd), during which Floyd threatened Goodson with a pool stick. Goodson responded by drawing a gun from his pocket. The owner of the bar, Roy Hemingway (Hemingway), intervened and escorted Goodson…