Parks v. State

Jimmy Veondi Parks was indicted for murder, felony murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer. On the charges of murder and felony murder, a jury found Parks guilty on each count of the lesser included offense of voluntary manslaughter, and those were merged for sentencing. The jury also found him guilty of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.1 Parks’s amended motion for new trial was denied, and he appeals, asserting six enumerations of error. Finding no reversible error, we affirm. 1. Parks asserts the general grounds, contending insufficient evidence supported the voluntary manslaughter verdict because he acted in self-defense. Construed to support the jury’s verdict, the evidence shows that Parks and the victim had known each other for a long time. On the evening in question, Parks and the victim “were having a heated discussion.” Parks left but returned shortly afterwards and wanted the victim to go somewhere. The victim refused, and they again began to argue and “to shove each other.” The victim suggested that they step outside. Parks walked out of the door, turned, and shot the victim as he stood in the doorway.

Parks testified at trial that he shot the victim in self-defense. He stated that he and the victim were quarrelling because he refused to purchase cocaine for the victim; that the victim pushed and shoved him; that he attempted to walk away but the victim threatened him and followed him out the door; that the victim hit him repeatedly in the head and then reached for a gun; and that only then, did he fire his pistol without aiming, “attempting to get him off me.”