People v. Campbell CA2/1

BACKGROUND

On April 2, 2012, around 2:00 a.m., Campbell stabbed her boyfriend, Markeon Taylor, and he died as a result of the stab wound to his chest. At trial, Campbell did not deny she stabbed Taylor, but she disputed she committed murder. She argued theories of self-defense, voluntary manslaughter (imperfect self-defense), and involuntary manslaughter (brandishing a weapon with criminal negligence causing death, and unconsciousness due to voluntary intoxication), and the trial court instructed the jury on each of these theories. Prosecution Evidence On April 1, 2012, leading up to the incident, Campbell had been drinking alcohol at the apartment in Pomona she shared with various relatives and Taylor. Some time before midnight, Taylor left the apartment with Leroy Jefferson (Campbell’s brother), Marcus Evans (Campbell’s cousin), and Markael Ballou (Jefferson’s friend). It was Taylor’s birthday, and the men planned to go to a club to celebrate. Campbell stayed at the apartment. According to Ballou, when Taylor told Campbell he was going out, Campbell asked why and began arguing with Taylor.

1 Batson v. Kentucky (1986) 476 U.S. 79 (Batson); People v. Wheeler (1978) 22 Cal.3d 258…