X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Ralph Dennis Cameron was charged with the offenses of murder and criminal trespass relating to a shooting and death which occurred in a tavern. At the conclusion of the first trial, a mistrial was ordered because of a hung jury. Upon retrial, the jury found Cameron guilty of the lesser included offense of voluntary manslaughter and acquitted him of criminal trespass. Cameron appeals, alleging the evidence was insufficient to convict him of voluntary manslaughter and the trial court erred in denying his motion for new trial because he was denied his constitutional right to due process. We find no error and affirm Cameron’s conviction. 1. Viewed in a light most favorable to support the jury’s verdict, the evidence shows that Christopher Goode, the victim, Che Goguen, and two other individuals were at a bar for a darts tournament. During that evening, Cameron entered the bar and exchanged words with Goguen. Cameron pulled a knife and the two struggled over the knife. Cameron then pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Goguen. Goguen and one of the other participants ran out the front door. During this time, Goode disabled Cameron by hitting him over the head with a glass jar. Goode then informed Goguen and the other man who had left the bar that it was safe to come back inside. These three men gathered Cameron’s belongings, keeping his knife and gun inside the bar, and put Cameron outside with instructions to leave.

Goode and another man unloaded the bullets in Cameron’s handgun. A short time later, Cameron returned with an assault rifle and pointed it at the four occupants in the bar. Fearing for their lives, the group fled to a small kitchen located behind the bar. There was no telephone in the kitchen and only one way out. Cameron sat at the bar with the rifle pointed toward the only opening to the kitchen and demanded a beer. Cameron then demanded to see that “son of a bitch that hit me.” Goode stepped into the doorway, and Cameron shot him in the leg. Goode then grabbed a kitchen knife, lunged at Cameron and darted back into the kitchen. When Goode ran in front of the door again, Cameron shot him in the stomach. One of the occupants managed to call 911 using a telephone behind the bar.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

Seeking motivated and skilled litigation attorney to join our dynamic defense litigation firm. Role Involves:Conducting thorough research.Ha...


Apply Now ›

DEPUTY PORT ATTORNEY III Oakland, CA Salary: $17,294 - $21,419/month, 37.5-hr work week Your Port. Your Community. Your Career. Whe...


Apply Now ›

Stern, Lavinthal & Frankenberg, LLC, is seeking a foreclosure attorney experienced in the NJ and/or NY foreclosure process and default l...


Apply Now ›