People v. Flowers

Following a jury trial, defendant was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, MCL 750.321; MSA 28.553, in connection with the death of eight-month-old Emmet Flowers. Defendant then pleaded guilty to being an habitual offender, fourth offense, MCL 769.12; MSA 28.1084, and was sentenced to thirty to fifty years’ imprisonment. Defendant now appeals, and we affirm.

Defendant first argues that he was denied due process and a fair trial by the trial court’s refusal to give his requested jury instructions on what he considered to be the lesser offenses of second- and third-degree child abuse. The jury…