Gonzales v. State

Adams, Judge.

Luis Vera Gonzales was indicted for murder but convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years, to serve 15. On appeal, he contends the evidence was insufficient and that the trial court erred by admitting his videotaped statement and photographs of the victim and by charging the jury on revenge and mutual combat.

1. Construed in favor of the verdict, the evidence shows that Gonzales and four friends had a confrontation with Antonio Paz Martinez at a car wash, during which Martinez pointed a sawed-off shotgun at an unarmed Gonzales. Shortly thereafter, Gonzales and…