Earl v. State

*1306OPINION

By the Court,

Young, J.:

FACTS

Appellant Deborah Ann Earl (“Deborah”) was convicted for the murder of Bruce Lawson (“Bruce”). At trial, Deborah argued that she killed Bruce in self-defense. Deborah testified that Bruce beat her and raped her in the past. Deborah’s aunt witnessed Bruce hit Deborah on a previous occasion. In fact, Deborah testified that one week before the incident in question, Bruce struck her three times in the head with his fist.

There was also evidence that Bruce had abused other women. For example, police were called to the residence of Bruce’s former girlfriend on four…