State v. Caruthers

STRUCKMEYER, Justice.

Appellant, Steven Caruthers, was convicted of second degree murder by jury in the Superior Court of Yuma County, Arizona. From the conviction and sentence thereon, he appeals.

On the night of May 7, 1970, appellant and the deceased, Leandra Fowler, shared a room at the Stardust Hotel in Yuma. For several days prior thereto, as well as on May 7th, they were attempting to withdraw from the use of heroin by injecting nembutal into their veins. Appellant owned a .38 caliber automatic pistol. While they lay on the bed, the gun was fired and Leandra Fowler was killed. A…