Bowers v. State

OPINION

EASTAUGH, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

Near the shores of Deadman Lake, fifty miles west of Fairbanks, two intoxicated neighbors sharing a rustic hot tub had an argument that became violent. William Peacock testified that Timothy Bowers pointed a 44 magnum revolver at him and pulled the trigger. When the revolver "clicked" but did not fire, Bowers fetched a .22 caliber rifle, chambered a round, and fired into the air. Bowers was indicted for assault by means of "a firearm." The jury, as permitted by a supplemental instruction given after it began deliberating, convicted Bowers of assault for…