People v. La Voie
Colorado Supreme Court
155 Colo. 551 (1986)
- Written by Kelli Lanski, JD
Facts
Charles La Voie (defendant) was driving home from work one night after his pharmacy shift ended after midnight. His car was approached from behind by a car containing four intoxicated men. They made contact with La Voie’s rear bumper and accelerated, pushing his car forward a significant distance and through a red traffic light. La Voie tried to brake but was unable due to the force of the car pushing him, leaving skid marks in the road. After the cars came to a stop, La Voie exited his car with a gun, which he had a permit to carry. The men also got out of their car and moved toward La Voie in a menacing manner while yelling threats at him. La Voie shot and killed one of the men. At trial and after hearing all the evidence, the judge directed the jury to enter a verdict of not guilty, finding that the killing was a justifiable homicide and not criminal. The people (plaintiff) appealed, filing a writ of error.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Moore, J.)
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