State v. Adams

Donald Adams appeals from a conviction of second degree manslaughter with a special verdict of being armed with a deadly weapon. Appellant Adams claims the trial court erred when it denied his request for a self-defense instruction. We agree and accordingly reverse the trial court and remand this case for a new trial.

Donald Adams lived in a trailer adjoining Doyel Goard's trailer. The two trailers were situated on 5 wooded acres. Neither trailer had a telephone. Adams testified that his "job up there was to protect the area and its belongings."

Approximately May 19, 1980, Glenn Chard, Lance…