State v. Temples

HEDRICK, Chief Judge.

Evidence introduced at trial tends to show the following: Defendant and the deceased were married in 1981. Their marital relationship was tumultuous, characterized by violent arguments and separations followed by periods of affection and reconciliation. When Mr. Temples consumed alcohol, he often became verbally and physically abusive toward defendant. Defendant testified that on the evening of 7 August 1983 Mr. Temples was drinking heavily and that she and her husband began to argue. She stated that Mr. Temples cursed her, pushed her to the floor, and threatened to hurt…