People v. Pernell

Defendant, Darwin Pernell, was convicted of murder in a jury trial and sentenced to 20-40 years imprisonment. He contends that the jury was not properly instructed regarding the State’s burden of proof on the issue of self-defense, and that the trial judge improperly precluded him from testifying as to his state of mind at the time of the occurrence. We reverse and remand because the jury was not properly instructed on the issue of self-defense.

On November 12,1976, the defendant shot and killed Julian Beasley. The defendant maintains that he acted in self-defense; this issue was properly…