State v. Evans

OPINION

OGG, Chief Judge.

Appellant Rodrick Evans was convicted of voluntary manslaughter with a gun in violation of A.R.S. § 13-457(B) after he fatally shot the victim, Anthony Lane, during a fight outside a “social club” in Phoenix. He was sentenced to a term of not less than 5 nor more than 10 years imprisonment.

Appellant argues that the trial court should have instructed the jury, sua sponte, that the appellant did not carry the burden of proof but merely had to raise a reasonable doubt that he acted in self defense and that the shooting was justified. Appellant also argues that the trial…