State v. Amison

Citations

• 2021 Ohio 1537

Syllabus

Defendant appeals murder conviction. Juror reported vehicle vandalized and concerns that it may have been related to jury service. Counsel did not provide ineffective assistance for failing to strike the juror. Juror stated he was nervous but was \okay\ after speaking with a detective. Juror affirmed he could decide the case impartially. Defense counsel indicated he was satisfied that juror could perform duties and had a strategic purpose for retaining juror. Court did not abuse its discretion in denying defendant's request to instruct jury on voluntary manslaughter. No evidence that victim ever provoked defendant. In each encounter between defendant and victim, the defendant was aggressor.