State v. Cogswell

There is undisputed evidence, which, if believed by the jury, supports the conclusion that Billie Melvin Cogswell, defendant-appellant, shot his wife, Florine, the bullet passing through her body and injuring their small daughter, Christine, whom she was shielding; shot at, but missed his mother-in-law, Mrs. Gaukroger, then “pistol-whipped” her; and attacked his father-in-law with a knife or dagger. Defendant and his wife were having marital difficulties. Mrs. Cogswell had commenced an action for divorce, and she and their daughter were staying with Mrs. Cogswell’s parents.

In the opening…