Littler v. State

DICKSON, Justice.

Eighteen-year-old Neal Littler died from a gunshot injury suffered in a fight with his twin brother, defendant Philip Littler. Convicted of Neal’s murder, Philip’s direct appeal challenges the trial court’s exclusion of their mother’s testimony regarding Neal’s prior conduct. 1 The Court of Appeals affirmed in a memorandum opinion. We granted transfer and now reverse.

Defending against the murder charge at trial, Philip asserted self-defense and claimed that Neal was threatening and attacking Philip with a knife. Philip sought to present evidence of certain events and specific…