State v. Watkins

GORDON, Justice:

Defendant Allen Watkins appeals his convictions and consecutive sentences of seven and a half years imprisonment for aggravated assault and life imprisonment for first-degree murder. Jurisdiction is established by A.R.S. § 13-4031.

On the morning of February 27, 1979, defendant and two friends, Junior Law and Ace Phillips, began drinking beer at a local bar. As the day progressed, they moved to another bar to continue drinking and to play pool. An argument developed between defendant and Junior Law, and defendant invited Law outside to fight. The bar owner, afraid for Law’s…