State v. Elzey

State of Maryland v. Latoya Bonte Elzey, No. 3, September Term, 2020. Opinion by Biran, J. CRIMINAL LAW – SELF-DEFENSE – BATTERED SPOUSE SYNDROME – JURY INSTRUCTION – Respondent was charged with the murder of her boyfriend. At trial, Respondent’s expert witness testified that Respondent suffered from Battered Spouse Syndrome at the time of the alleged murder, as a result of her history of abusive relationships, which included her relationship with the victim and her relationships with two prior intimate partners. The jury acquitted Respondent of the murder charges, but convicted her of…