Harvard Student --- Murder or Self Defense ??

[dialex]

Now we will need something like the: NKA (national knife assoication) to portect our rights as knife owners.

I think there is the AKTI (American Knife & Tool Institute) for this.

[argyll]

Pring-Wilson Guilty Of Voluntary Manslaughter
Harvard Grad Student Faces Up To 20 Years In Jail

BOSTON -- A jury has found Harvard graduate student Alexander Pring-Wilson guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the 2003 stabbing death of Michael Colono, rejecting the student's claim of self-defense.

The jury also considered a first-degree murder charge during five days of deliberations.

After the verdict was read, the judge revoked Pring-Wilson's bail and said he would be sentenced later Thursday. Pring-Wilson, 26, could face anywhere from probation to 20 years in prison.

Pring-Wilson was accused of stabbing 18-year-old Colono outside a Cambridge pizza shop. Pring-Wilson claims he was defending himself.

After a night of drinking and bar hopping, according to testimony during the 3 1/2 week trial, Pring-Wilson walked past Ring Pizza in Cambridge on his way home to Somerville, Mass. As he walked past a car with the victim inside, words were exchanged and a fight ensued.

Rodriguez said that Colono taunted Pring-Wilson about being drunk and Pring-Wilson reached for the car door.

Colono died from five stab wounds -- one of them to the heart. Pring-Wilson maintained that it was the ferocity of what he said was an attack against him that prompted him to take out his knife in self-defense.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/38 ... etail.html

Best regards,

Argyll

[Stevie Ray]

Holy cow ... this thing is being discussed LIVE on CNN RIGHT NOW.

[Stevie Ray]

Oh well ... it's done and the "men of court TV" have moved on to the lacy peterson case. Lot's of opinions from these fellows on the Pring-Wilson case.

[*Cho*]

From everything I read on Courttv.com I wasn't surprised with the verdict at all. I was actually thinking about it this morning when I got up and told myself he'd probably get Manslaughter.

The main reason being....he doesn't meet the SD laws legally.

First, jurors must consider Pring-Wilson's mental state. They need to consider whether he reasonably believed he was in imminent danger of suffering serious bodily harm or death, and that the only way to save himself was to use his knife.


He also must have exhausted any "reasonable alternative means of escape."

The final element to justify self-defense is that the defendant must have used "no more force than is necessary to defend himself.

Personally I think he meets the first 2 requirments...but the 3rd was his undoing. I do believe he he believed he was in imminent dangers because it really does sound like they jumped him. No finger prints on the car door, the 2 officers who responded to his phone call said he didn't seem drunk, it was obvious he had a few beers, but didn't conduct himself as a drunk would. Instead they said he conducted himself in the manner a person may if he had a concussion ( Which I think he did).

IMO he did try to get away...in fact I believe they jumped him as he was walking away.

However...5 stab wounds...that is a little excessive, sadly if he'd only stabbed him maybe once or twice...he probably would have qualifed for SD, especially since there were 2 defensive slashes found on the "victims" arms.

They say his punishment could be anything from probation to 20 years I believe.

hopefully he'll only get 5 max.

[Moon]

They say his punishment could be anything from probation to 20 years I believe.

hopefully he'll only get 5 max.

From what I heard/read he was already sentenced. He received 6-8 years.

[thombrogan]

From what I heard/read he was already sentenced. He received 6-8 years.

Yep. And the family of the deceased are furious over it. Not that I expected them to do the Wiggles Dance, but a little less "the defendant started it when he hit back" would've been nice.

[Rex G]

Right or wrong, the perception among much of the jury pool is that an intoxicated person is not a reasonable person, and one standard used to measure the justifiability of deadly force is the REASONABLE MAN Doctrine: "What would a reasonable man do under the same circumstances?" If a defendant is believed by a jury to have been intoxicated, he will have an uphill battle proving that his actions were reasonable. A manslaughter verdict does not surprise me in this case. Had the student ignored the taunts and kept walking, he would have minimized the chance of a confrontation. If Colono had initiated a chase when he was ignored by the student, then the student would have a much better chance of justifying self-defense. I did not watch the case on court TV, so I cannot say if the defendant should have been found guilty. I have read accounts of the incident, and I think Colono was a despicable scoundrel, out looking for a fight. Perhaps the student was too willing to provide that fight, but I don't know; I was not sitting in the court room, much less a witness to the incident.

[Little claw]

Hi UK KEN, when I read you earlier post, it struck me as very well put, but I wanted to offer a couple of counterpoints to your comments. I suppose I was reading your post from a general perspective, since I haven't really followed this case.

The injuries received by the accused (from photographs taken the following day) are not consistent with injuries he should have had if he had endured the type of attack he claims he did. This brings into question the need for the level of violence he used in response to the attack.

You don't have to receive injuries to be in fear of your life. In my training I've noticed that people have widely varying reactions to pain and fear. Not only that, but the details of a situation such as isolation, darkeness, etc. can change your perception of the likely risk of serious injury or death. The pain disorientation and fear that results from being struck, particularly in the head, doesn't help this much.

According to all the witnesses, the whole incident from beginning to end lasted for approximately 10 seconds. That doesn’t seem a great deal of time in which anyone can assess a situation, decide that your life is being seriously threatened, decide on an appropriate reaction, draw and deploy a knife and stab a person five times.

I've been in a couple of incidents myself, always the underdog, never the winner. One incident in particular gave me an extremely distorted perception of both time and space. The incident seemed to take minutes, maybe 5 or 10, but outside observers said that it was more like 30 seconds to a minute. There were times when I thought through several options and the consequences, almost like reading through a shopping list. One in particular was during an interval which, based on my training I would expect was less than a second, yet seemed like 30 as was was trying to figure out what was going on and what I should do next. The pavement on which we were fighting also got really distorted, seeming like it was about 10 metres wide when actually (as I was surprised to notice when I drove past a couple of weeks later) was very narrow, less than 2 metres.

The accused is described by his peers and teachers as being “not one to back down when challenged.” He is a large, strong individual who plays a lot of rugby. I feel that the alcohol has played a large part in the outcome of this incident. It is very unfortunate that he was carrying the knife when he was intoxicated. As others here have already said, alcohol and weapons, (of any kind) don’t mix too well.

I can't really disagree with this, but I'll say the following. I've not followed the case, so I don't know whether there was a pride issue involved. If so, then his stupidity is evident. However, there is a strong case to be made for not backing down in a confrontation. When diplomacy and evasion fail, you should go on the offensive, psycologically. The best position is "I am not your enemy, but I am not afraid of you". Backing down can be interpreted as fear. Fear can be seen not only as an opportunity for your assailant, but also a trigger for their contempt and it doesn't empower you in any way.

Cheers

Dom

[UK KEN]

Dom

I agree with virtually all of your comments, you have transferred your own training and life experiences into the situation which is both commendable and understandable. I am no expert in these cases so my opinions could easily be completely wrong! It was simply a case I became interested in and followed.

I know that a victim of an attack doesn’t have to suffer any injury before being put in fear of having his life threatened. I was talking about this case particularly when I said that I was concerned that the injuries where far less than I would expect when compared to the statement that the defendant had been “severely punched and kicked by the deceased and his cousin”. His ability to defend himself may well have been impaired by the fact that he was intoxicated but in my experience when trying to deal with two attackers I would prefer to be completely sober. This being the case, he did a remarkable job in avoiding any injuries other than an alleged head trauma.

It was also suggested by the doctor who examined him that he reacted as if he were in pain before he was actually touched by him, as though he was trying to convince him that the injury was more serious than it was.

Again, I understand what you say about a persons perception of their environment being affected by the circumstances surrounding them at any given time. Discounting the fact that one of the people was watching from the outskirts of the incident with no direct involvement, even if the whole tragic mess took twice or even three times longer, 30 seconds is still not a very long period.

I also agree that to back down in certain situations might be a sign of weakness but if a confrontation is inevitable, I prefer the assailant to think that they have the upper hand! There is nothing more satisfying than connecting properly with and adversary who has relaxed just a little too much because he feels he is in control. So when the fight or flight reaction kicks in you have a fifty fifty choice often predetermined by our instincts and character. Who can say whether the outcome would have been different had he decided to run.

The comments I made regarding this case were simply my own feelings about parts of the evidence as presented to the court. As I have said before a life was lost and the jury has now decided who was responsible. It would have been better all round if the incident had not occurred in the first place.

Regards Ken

[Little claw]

I am no expert in these cases so my opinions could easily be completely wrong!

Two can play that game! :)

I also agree that to back down in certain situations might be a sign of weakness but if a confrontation is inevitable, I prefer the assailant to think that they have the upper hand! There is nothing more satisfying than connecting properly with and adversary who has relaxed just a little too much because he feels he is in control.

Between us we've raised two opposite (or complimentary ]It would have been better all round if the incident had not occurred in the first place. [/QUOTE]

Sad but true.

Take care
Dom

[AllenETreat]

Okay, Wilson is convicted of using deadly force, but we
have to ask ourselves -

"What would I do in a situation like this?"

Mere provocation isn't grounds for shanking anyone - this
is why - and I get shot down everytime I preach it - you'd use
pepper spray on an assailant ( or maybe
even potential assailant, as in this case )

The "experts" say : "Pepper spray is marginally effective &
will only anger an attacker. It doesn't work on someone who's
intoxicated either."

Gee, I used it once on a drunkard that was going to do some
grievous bodily harm ( GBH ) on me & it sent'im packin'! ( I might add
with no lethal force - the cops arrested this potential assailant,
not me, in this case.

As for Wilson, me think's he'll get probation, if he qualifies as a 1st
time offender ( likely ) I don't think this'll effect knives so much
as one hand opening knives - it'll probably be grounds to lump'em
in with switchblades ( this has already been tried in California - the
decision was over-turned )

They'll take my Spydie from me when they pry it from my cold, dead, fingers!


AET

[Jimmy_Dean]

They'll take my Spydie from me when they pry it from my cold, dead, fingers!

Amen brothers!

[Moon]

As for Wilson, me think's he'll get probation

He got sentenced to 6-8 years.

[sunshine]

HI everyone. I joined this forum after coming upon this thread through a search engine. I'd like to post a couple of links and give you somemore info on this case, then see what your opinions are.

I've followed this case from the beginning and beleive that Mr. Pring-Wilson was actually the victim here. I beleive this case was politicly motivated. Ms Coakley is running for Kerrys seat in the senate and the DA, Ms. Lynch was trying her last case before she become a judge. They needed a win.

Let me tell you a bit more about this trial. In one article there is mention of the victim Michael Colono wearing boots to kick APW. These boots were never found and not brought into evidence.

The medical examiner said on the stand that Micheal Colono 'may' have survived if he had been brought right to one of the three hospitals in the area, all which were within 3-5 min. away. We'll never know if he would have lived because his cousin left the scene to get out of the area. The cousins are gang affiliates in Cambridge MA.

Please check out the links to two stories I have here and give you opinions. I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

http://www.relentlessdefense.com/tips/c ... .case.html

http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=503440

[dyad]

I've followed this case from the beginning and beleive that Mr. Pring-Wilson was actually the victim here. I beleive this case was politicly motivated. Ms Coakley is running for Kerrys seat in the senate and the DA, Ms. Lynch was trying her last case before she become a judge. They needed a win.

Sunshine, I followed the case also. And and sensed this trial was more for polictial gain. Than 'self-defense' trial!!! P-W was his knees being assulted from behind for Colono and his cousin.
P-W attacked with his left arm--thrusting backward over his shoulder. Actually not being able to see where he was aiming.

The medical examiner said on the stand that Micheal Colono 'may' have survived if he had been brought right to one of the three hospitals in the area, all which were within 3-5 min. away. We'll never know if he would have lived because his cousin left the scene to get out of the area. The cousins are gang affiliates in Cambridge MA.

The Colono "bunch" actually drove around for 2 hours.." pitching stuff " from there car. I feel his cousin should be charged for "neglect in seeking medical attention. However , this is how the criminal mind works. (IMO).

What blows me away.."his family testified what a great guy he was". :mad: He (Colono) had plenty of chances to get FREE education !! Instead he choose the "gang life".
In the closing..Colono sister had to throw race into the matter. I'm inclinded to think "someone wrote" the closing for her.
I look for P-W attorney's to file an appeal. If they have not done so already.



http://www.relentlessdefense.com/tips/c ... .case.html

http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=503440[/QUOTE]

[thombrogan]

What blows me away.."his family testified what a great guy he was".

Maybe he always thought of his family's well-being when mugging folks?

[sunshine]

Sunshine, I followed the case also. And and sensed this trial was more for polictial gain. Than 'self-defense' trial!!! P-W was his knees being assulted from behind for Colono and his cousin.
P-W attacked with his left arm--thrusting backward over his shoulder. Actually not being able to see where he was aiming.



The Colono "bunch" actually drove around for 2 hours.." pitching stuff " from there car. I feel his cousin should be charged for "neglect in seeking medical attention. However , this is how the criminal mind works. (IMO).

What blows me away.."his family testified what a great guy he was". :mad: He (Colono) had plenty of chances to get FREE education !! Instead he choose the "gang life".
In the closing..Colono sister had to throw race into the matter. I'm inclinded to think "someone wrote" the closing for her.
I look for P-W attorney's to file an appeal. If they have not done so already[/url]

[/QUOTE]


dyad I agree with you completely. If MC had been brought right to a hospital, which one of the three was on the next corner he may have lived, PW would have been charged with stabbing, but not murder. The whole thing would have gone in a different direction if SR had not run. I think SR is responsible for his death, and I think he knows it. He never showed support for the family in court. If he loved his cousin so much, where was he? SR's GF, on the stand said that SR told her, "I think the family will be mad at me."

MC brother made the statement Michael was turning his life around. If that were so why was he out drinking. He had just got out of rehab a few weeks before, he was on probation, and he was under age. Another thing SR should be charged with, buy liquor for someone under age. I think when they got rid of stuff in the car that night, the boots went too, but I can't figure out why. They were never found, so Lynch says.

There was and article in the Boston Herald that I can't get now unless I pay for it because it's arcived. In 2002 Michael Colono, age 17 was arrested for selling cocaine, he had the stuff on him. The dectectives said he was unruly when arrested, in a pizza place, broke the glass out of the front door, and threatened the detectives saying "I'll get my 'Lion Boys' to take you out."

If APW didn't have the knife with him that night he would be dead. Of coarse if he did what DA Lynch said, "Instead of pulling your knife out, why didn't you pull your cell phone out and call for help."

Imagine anyone, down on the ground with two thugs on him, doing that.

The sister, couldn't have written that speech. I think the brother Marcus wrote it for her. It's his words that he used when he was interviewed. He also had his 15 min of fame on Inside Edition TV show. I do understand they suffered a great loss, he was their son, brother and a father. But he choose to live the life style he did, and gang life is usually short lived.

PW is going to appeal this case. I hope he wins. :)

HUMMM I have to keep typing.I get a message, My mesage is to short, add 10 more charactors. I may be here all day. I got it twice.

http://www.relentlessdefense.com/tips/c ... .case.html

http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx? ... .case.html

[sal]

Hi Sunshine. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

I believe you will find some interesting "minds" here and the perspective would be from folks quite knowledgeable in the world of knives in general and Spyderco knives in particular.

I too have been closely watching the case. I designed the knife that Alex used.

While I am sorry that someone died (everyone has some good in them), the case itself is quite the sad story from the incident to the trial.

There are many questions left unanswered in this case. It will be interesting to see if Alex' attornies pursue.

I believe the wound locations and depths tell 90% of the story, but IMO, there are too few knife experts in the courts.

sal

[sunshine]

Maybe he always thought of his family's well-being when mugging folks?

I may be wrong but I think dyad meant that MC family said he was a great guy.

PW family doesn't have the money that people think. His mother hasn't work for some time due to illness. His father has a practice in Co. He doesn't take clients with a lot of money. his practice is for those people who normally would get stuck with a public defender. he charges a low fee so they don't have to have a public defender. He's not by any means a high priced lawyer, although I think he could be if he choose. This is a family that has taken in kids that have lost parents, or been in trouble.

This case also turned into a race issue which was rediculous because the family takes in kids of all race, and live in an area where neighbors are a mix. PW GF is not full white, she is of color too.

There have been so many misjudgements about this family that it gone beyond absurd.