A Tift county defendant charged with Felony Murder was acquitted after a 3 day trial! The Defendant was arrested after he was involved in a fight which ended in the shooting death of the other person. He was charged with Felony Murder and Aggravated Assault. He was facing Life plus 20 years. We argued at trial that he was merely defending himself when he pulled the gun as the alleged victim was attacking him, including with a large bottle and a bicycle. During the last attack, the gun accidentally fired during the scuffle, killing the attacker. The jury agreed and found him Not Guilty of those charges. However, at the last minute, the State asked for the lessor included charges of Voluntary Manslaughter, Involuntary Manslaughter, and Misdemeanor Reckless Conduct. The jury rejected the Manslaughter charge but did find him guilty of Reckless Conduct. The Court sentenced him to 12 months probation. We consider that a win!