I expect the third shot being to the head while on the ground made all the difference. If it was at close quarters the head shot could be seen as the coup de grace meant to kill instead of a shot in defense.
If the small fella had been set on so much, who’s to say what was going through his mind. I wonder if his lawyer brought up the history of assaults at the trial?
Yes, he did. Pretty much all that did was show intent to kill.
Prosecutor: Why, after all these assaults, did he carry a weapon? To kill his tormentors, that’s why!
And I’m just saying, that’s the truth. But I sure don’t blame him. I might have done the same.
BTW. While he was in the County Jail my dad examined him and sent him to the hospital for anal rape on more than 1 occasion. The amusement of friends and family of the deceased was disgusting.