State v. Rakes

Defendant appeals from a conviction of manslaughter based on a jury verdict following trial on a charge of murder in the second degree. Defendant has also filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus which is consolidated with his appeal.

It is conceded that the decedent, James E. Workman, died in the early morning hours of November 16, 1968, as a result of a .22 caliber gunshot wound inflicted by the defendant. The fatal altercation took place in the parking lot of the Pioneer Tavern in Mossyrock, Washington. The incident occurred at the tavern’s closing time after a continuing disagreement…