People v. Morrin

Morrin (defendant) was drinking in a bar when he was approached by Abell, a stranger who asked for a ride to Erie, Michigan, near Morrin's home. The two left together, and at Abell's direction Morrin drove down a series of remote, unpaved roads until the car became stuck in a mudhole; the two men worked together to free it. After the car was freed, Abell got back in, pulled out a knife, grabbed Morrin by the hair, and held the knife to his throat, demanding that Morrin perform an oral sexual act on him after Morrin offered him money instead. During the ensuing struggle, Morrin struck Abell multiple times with a pair of tongs he used in his work, killing him. Morrin later returned to the scene with his sister, confirmed Abell was dead, and his sister notified the police. At trial, Morrin testified that he had acted in self-defense, but the jury convicted him of first-degree murder.