State v. Lewis

BURNETT, Justice:

On November 2, 1995, appellant broke into his estranged wife’s home and shot her paramour at close range, killing him. Appellant was indicted on murder and first degree burglary charges. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and first degree burglary, but found mentally ill.

Appellant argues the trial judge erred by failing to instruct the jury on insanity. He contends his own testimony and that of lay witnesses supported an instruction on insanity. We disagree.

ISSUE

Did the trial judge err by refusing appellant’s request to instruct the jury on insanity?

FACTS

Appellant…