People v. Elmore
California Supreme Court
59 Cal.4th 121, 325 P.3d 951 (2014)
- Written by Samantha Arena, JD
Facts
Charles Elmore (defendant) had a history of mental illness and institutionalization for psychosis. After exhibiting symptoms of psychosis one morning, Elmore left his grandmother’s home and walked past Ella Suggs as she was waiting at a bus stop. Elmore grabbed Suggs and stabbed her with a sharpened paintbrush handle, killing her. Elmore then ran away, returning to the bus stop shortly thereafter, appearing confused. Police arrested Elmore, after which he was sent for psychiatric evaluation. The State of California (plaintiff) charged Elmore with first-degree murder. Elmore pleaded both not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. At the conclusion of the guilt phase of the trial, the jury convicted Elmore. Elmore appealed, contending that the court improperly refused to provide a jury instruction on imperfect self-defense.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Corrigan, J.)
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