People v. Morales

OPINION OF THE COURT

Michael R. Juviler, J.

This is a decision explaining a ruling on evidence that was *325rendered during a nonjury trial on charges of murder in the second degree (Penal Law § 125.25 [1], [2]).1 The court held that on the facts of this case the defendant’s statement to the police after his arrest was admissible as defense evidence.

At the trial the defense conceded that the defendant had stabbed the victim, Dwight Hines, causing his death. The issues presented to the trier of fact were:(1) Whether the defendant had intended to kill the deceased, as was alleged in one of the counts…