NITA Publications

State v. Bloodworth

Three days before his death, Kenneth Fletcher was found unconscious on the floor of Gene Bloodworth's condo. Bloodworth claims that Fletcher broke into his home and had a knife. Bloodworth also claims he was defending himself when he struck Fletcher and knocked him out. Fletcher claimed that he and Bloodworth had been drinking together that night and that Bloodworth invited him to his condo and then attacked him.

Three days after the incident at Bloodworth's condo, Fletcher was found dead. Cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Bloodworth was charged with first degree murder and has pleaded not guilty. He contends that he was acting in self-defense and that Fletcher's alcoholism contributed to his death.

There are four witnesses for both sides, including forensic pathologist experts. This criminal case file is designed to be used as a full trial.

Law professors may request the problems and teaching notes for this publication by emailing ReviewCopy@lexisnexis.com.

• >> TABLE OF CONTENTS
  Contents
  
  Introduction
  
  Special Instructions for Use as a Full Trial
  
  Information
  
  Exhibits
  Exhibit 1 -- Transcript of 911 Call
  Exhibit 2 -- Photo of Exhibit 2 on Table at Scene
  Exhibit 3 -- Photo Close-Up of Exhibit 2 with Ruler Showing Size
  Exhibit 4 -- Photo of Kenneth Fletcher at Scene
  Exhibit 5 -- Photo of Kenneth Fletcher Close-up at Scene
  Exhibit 6 -- Photo of Pill Jars at Scene
  Exhibit 7 -- Diagram of Scene
  Exhibit 8 -- CV of Dr. Tost
  
  Police Reports NCPD Burglary Offense Report by Detective Sgt. Howard
  NCPD Burglary Supplemental Report by Detective Howard
  NCPD Murder Offense Report by Detective Howard
  NCPD Fingerprint Examination Report
  Philadelphia Police Department Murder Offense Report
  
  Darrow County Medical Center Reports
  
  Darrow County Medical Examiner's Report
  Autopsy Report by Dr. Tost
  Body Diagram
  Head Diagram
  Toxicology Report
  
  Arrest Records
  Gene Bloodworth
  Billy Herman
  Sadie McLish
  Chris Singleton
  Kenneth Fletcher
  
  Preliminary Hearing Testimony
  Detective Lee Howard
  Dr. Lou Tost
  Billy Herman
  Kerry Westlake
  
  Statements of Defense Witnesses
  Chris Singleton
  Sadie McLish
  
  Correspondence from Dr. Leslie Sewell
  Report of March 18, YR-1
  Letter of January 15, YR-0
  CV
  
  Applicable Statutory Law
  
  Jury Instructions
  
  Verdict Form

• >> AUTHORS
  
  
  • Sharon Cammisa
    
    
    • Sharon Cammisa is a California licensed lawyer in Sacramento, California. She graduated from law school at UC Davis School of Law King Hall. She was admitted to The State Bar of California on 12/12/1986.

  
  

  • Joseph E. Taylor
    
    
    • Joseph E. Taylor is a former public defender who now teaches trial advocacy at McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific. He has participated in hundreds of felony jury trials, having served as the public defender for Riverside County (managing a nine-office organization with seventy-six attorneys), eight years as an assistant chief deputy for the Sacramento County District Attorney's office, a senior attorney with the Ventura County DA's office, supervising three units, including the major crimes unit, and occasionally prosecuting or defending criminal trials pro bono is his spare time. He has authored or co-authored ten trial practice cases and has excelled both in the courtroom and classroom. He was named both Professor of the Year (McGeorge School of Law, 2004) and Prosecutor of the Year (State of California, 1982- 1983). He actively litigates during the summer months, has served as judge pro tem in Sacramento Superior Court for the last fourteen years, and is currently a member of the California Parole Advocacy Program Advisory Committee.