Gun Digest
 

Harold Fish Gets New Trial in Self-Defense Case

Harold Fish claimed he shot Grant Kuenzli in self-defense during their encounter in the Coconino National Forest, but a jury convicted him and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

The case galvanized gun-rights supporters, who said Fish's conviction represented a threat to their right to protect themselves, and prompted the Arizona Legislature to change the law to shift the burden of proof in self-defense claim cases from the defendant to the prosecutor.

Fish's attorney, Lee Phillips, said he's stunned and excited by the court's ruling. “We're thrilled that after over three years of being in prison, hopefully, Hal will get his justice and he'll be coming home before too much longer.”

In May 2004, Fish was hiking when two dogs belonging to Kuenzli began running down a hill and threatening him. Fish told police he fired a warning shot at the animals. Kuenzli then became enraged and threatened Fish, who warned he would shoot. He then fired three rounds and killed Kuenzli.

In a 3-0 ruling, the appeals court said the trial judge's jury instructions inadequately described the law of self-defense. The trial judge also may have erred in barring evidence of the victim's prior acts of violence related to dogs, the appeals court ruled.

Testimony about Kuenzli's alleged history of similar threatening behavior could have corroborated Fish's account, appeals judges ruled. Prosecutors had argued that Kuenzli was not threatening Fish but was merely trying to restrain his dogs.

State law at the time of the killing placed the burden on the defendant to prove he acted in self-defense. The Legislature changed the law in the middle of Fish's trial to require prosecutors to prove a defendant did not act in self-defense.

The Arizona Supreme Court has said that the new self-defense law does not apply retroactively to Fish's case. Read more

Source: Fox11az.com

 

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