People v. Edwards

Opinion

GRODIN, J.

Defendant Dennis William Edwards appeals from convictions of furnishing and/or administering heroin (Health & Saf. Code, § 11352) and second degree murder (Pen. Code, § 187) following the accidental and fatal heroin overdose of his girlfriend, Victoria Rogers. At the close of trial, defendant requested that the jury be instructed on involuntary manslaughter. The trial court, believing there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction of involuntary manslaughter, refused to give the requested instruction. As a result, the jury was compelled either to acquit defendant…