United States v. Sheffey
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
57 F.3d 1419 (1995)
- Written by Heather Whittemore, JD
Facts
On May 22, 1993, John C. Sheffey (defendant) was driving through Great Smoky Mountains National Park when he hit a car being driven by Martha Money, seriously injuring Money and her mother and killing Money’s father. Prior to the accident, Sheffey was seen driving erratically and aggressively around dangerous curves in the road. Evidence indicated that Sheffey had been driving under the influence of alcohol and an excessive dose of a medication that caused drowsiness. Sheffey was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. At trial, the federal district court gave a jury instruction on the difference between second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. The court explained that the jury needed to find that Sheffey acted with malice aforethought to be convicted of second-degree murder, or gross negligence to be convicted of involuntary manslaughter. The court further explained that recklessness could constitute malice aforethought if the jury found that Sheffey acted with such recklessness that he showed an extreme disregard for human life. The jury found Sheffey guilty of second-degree murder. Sheffey appealed his conviction, arguing that the district court improperly instructed the jury on malice aforethought.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Rosen, J.)
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