Self Defense Stabbing

by Michelle
(Ohio)

Is stabbing someone 61 times considered self defense? A man testified in his murder trial that he stabbed another man 61 times because the victim was threatening to sexually assault him and held a sword to his neck.

The defendant also testified that the victim had a 16-inch dagger which he tried to stab the defendant with. The defendant was able to escape the grasp of the victim, grab the dagger and proceed to stab the victim 61 times.

The defendant did mention he was an alcoholic and he had too much to drink that night.

The defendant's actions after the stabbing might not help him when it comes time for the verdict. He left the apartment. He said he tried to call 911 but the call dropped. Then he went to his girlfriend's place and told her to call 911.

He took a shower and changed clothes and him and his girlfriend went to the hospital. He refused to call the police, so his girlfriend called.

I guess you could say he was too scared to call the police since he just killed a man.

He also didn't mention to the police that the victim threatened to sexually assault him. Why didn't he mention it?

I think, in the end, the jury will be looking at why he continued to stab the victim 61 times and why didn't he call the police as soon as he got home. Also, did the consumption of so much alcohol that night contribute to his actions?