Gibbs v. State

Joelle Gibbs appeals her conviction of culpable negligence with injury. We re*444verse because the trial court gave an inadequate jury instruction on self-defense.

The facts of this case are a sad and disturbing reminder of the tragic consequences that racial conflict can lead to. Appellant, a 40-year old black woman, saw an elderly white man and woman sitting on a bench outside an apartment building and said to them, “Good morning. How are you?” When the couple did not respond, she asked why they did not return her greeting. The woman, Julia Osmun, said to appellant, “Get away from here you dirty…