The Harold Fish story - AZ man found guilty of murder in self defense shooting

[Solus]

Here is an excerpt from and link to the story.

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/8010

by Gerard Valentino

The prosecution of Harold Fish reignited the debate over self-defense laws in America. For those not familiar with the story, Mr. Fish was convicted in Coconino County, Arizona of 2nd degree murder despite staying on site and rendering aid after being forced to shoot a violent attacker.

Had Mr. Fish fled, the remote area where the shooting took place meant he was unlikely to be identified.

Despite the opinion of the deputy that processed the crime scene and a mountain of evidence that proved Mr. Fish acted in self-defense, Coconino County authorities bowed to political pressure and pursued a baseless murder charge. When the judge excluded relevant evidence during the subsequent trial, it left the defense at a disadvantage and led to a guilty verdict.

[Magoo541]

Here is an excerpt from and link to the story.

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/8010

by Gerard Valentino

The prosecution of Harold Fish reignited the debate over self-defense laws in America. For those not familiar with the story, Mr. Fish was convicted in Coconino County, Arizona of 2nd degree murder despite staying on site and rendering aid after being forced to shoot a violent attacker.

Had Mr. Fish fled, the remote area where the shooting took place meant he was unlikely to be identified.

Despite the opinion of the deputy that processed the crime scene and a mountain of evidence that proved Mr. Fish acted in self-defense, Coconino County authorities bowed to political pressure and pursued a baseless murder charge. When the judge excluded relevant evidence during the subsequent trial, it left the defense at a disadvantage and led to a guilty verdict.

Has Massad Ayoob commented on this?  I'm sure he has I just haven't seen it.  I'm sure a MAG 40 class could have kept Mr. Fish out of prision, anyone taken that class?

[kmitch200]

Has Massad Ayoob commented on this?  I'm sure he has I just haven't seen it.  I'm sure a MAG 40 class could have kept Mr. Fish out of prision, anyone taken that class?

Mas has mentioned it in articles - as in "Think you won't be falsely prosecuted because you live in a state that "likes" guns?"
He might have benefitted from Mas providing advice to counsel but once you have to hire a lawyer, you are monetarily shafted even if aquitted.
I don't think ANY class would have kept the dipshit overzealous prosecutor from filing the charges.

There was a change in venue to Flagstaff. Flag is a college town with a LOT of granola type "green" people. 

Statements from the jury members post trial included stupid stuff like:
"Why did he need to use hollow point ammo?" 
"Why did he need a gun that was more powerful than what the police carry?" (he had a 10mm)

The bad guy's family said:
"He gave the dogs a warning shot. Why didn't he give Grant (Kuenzli) a warning shot?

Because dogs don't understand english sentences, the bad guy did!
Normal people won't charge someone after they've already fired a weapon and still have it drawn.  He fired a couple of shots into the ground when the dogs charged him, Kuenzli kept charging him even after Fish yelled repeatedly, "I didn't hurt the dogs!" and, "Stop! Stay back!"

This only useful result of this case was AZ passing it's "stand your ground" law. It's really sad Mr. Fish had to go to prison before being exonerated.
 
Sorry for the long rant but this case REALLY pisses me off.

[Magoo541]

Thanks for the Cliff note version.  I have been head down in work and school and must have missed this.

[tt11758]

Statements from the jury members post trial included stupid stuff like:
"Why did he need to use hollow point ammo?" 

I suggest to my students that they check with their local law enforcement agencies and ask what kind of loads they carry, then consider carrying similar.  Then the answer to that question is, "Because that's what my local police use to protect life and property."

"Why did he need a gun that was more powerful than what the police carry?" (he had a 10mm)

I'm fortunate, our local Sheriff's Office carries .45acp.  God apparently loves me. 

The bad guy's family said:
"He gave the dogs a warning shot. Why didn't he give Grant (Kuenzli) a warning shot?
Because dogs don't understand english sentences, the bad guy did!

To (mis)quote Clint Smith, "You can say stop, alto, or whatever, but I've found that a large bore muzzle aimed at the head is pretty much a universal language.

Comments in red are mine.

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