Appeals court overturns murder verdict in Cuyahoga County 'Castle Doctrine' case
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals has ordered a new trial for a Cleveland man imprisoned on a murder charge in a killing that his attorneys argued was clearly a case of self-defense.
Carl Kozlosky, 55, was convicted by a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court jury and sentenced last year to 18 years to life in prison for the shooting death of Andre Coleman on Sept. 20, 2009.
Mr. Kozlosky's "crime" was that he responded to someone breaking down his door, illegally entering his house, and physically assaulting his girlfriend by emptying a revolver into the SOB. The SOB, mind you, who was on a crack bender and had a previous murder conviction... Now, granted, the facts of the case are lacking in this story - we aren't told of any of the backstory that might have led to Kozlosky's conviction, whether it was verbal miscues on his arrest, other factors, or just an overzealous DA - who, Les tells is, is anti-gun.
It's chilling to think that even in free America you could be be convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison over a clearcut case of self-defense. Look at the facts presented: Person on drugs, illegal entry into the house, physical assault. It boggles the mind how this could have been prosecuted as murder, even in a state like Massachusetts. Kozlosky clearly acted in the defense of another's life - this woman had a man high on drugs brutally beating her after he kicked in the door. It's hard to imagine a case more clearcut for self defense.
In any case, it's heartening to see justice finally served, albeit two years too late...
That is all.
4 comments:
Is there a fund to donate to for his civil case yet?
Not enough justice done, if the DA and other involved with the case don't get busted for civil rights violations.
Yep, good news (finally)...
And yet, there are still people who oppose Castle Doctrine as unnecessary and likely to be abused.
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