Red-Light Ambush
People v. La Voie (1964)
Charge: Murder Heard on GUILTY or NOT?: 27 September 2026
Whether a driver rammed off the road at night and advanced on by four men may answer their approach with a pistol.
The facts
Late one night the Defendant was driving lawfully when a car carrying four intoxicated men deliberately rammed him from behind and kept pushing his vehicle forward through a red light. When the Defendant stopped, the four men got out and advanced on him. Fearing for his life, the Defendant drew a pistol and shot and killed one of the advancing men. The Prosecution charged him with murder; the Defence claimed justifiable self-defence.
You have the facts the court had. Did the prosecution prove it? Render your verdict in the game, then see what the court actually decided — and why.
Terms in this case
Citation: People v. La Voie, 155 Colo. 551, 395 P.2d 1001 (1964)
Read the full decision at law.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.