People v. Coleman

The defendant has appealed from a conviction of manslaughter in the first degree. His principal defense was that the homicide was justifiable because it was committed in the lawful defense of his wife under circumstances and conditions described in subdivision 1 of the latter portion of section 1055 of the Penal Law. Defendant testified, in this respect, that Lofton, the deceased, was endeavoring to stab the defendant’s wife with a knife at the time the defendant entered into the physical encounter which resulted in Lofton’s death.

The defendant therefore was entitled to a charge including the…