After three days of testimony, a three member jury has ruled the stabbing death of Clint Malone justifiable homicide.
Malone was stabbed to death at a party in a residence on Woodside Drive.
District Attorney Jason Woodbury said witnesses testified they didn’t know Malone and that his entry was without their permission. The male occupant fought with Malone, eventually gaining possession of a knife and stabbing him to death.
Woodbury said a coroner’s inquest is not a criminal trial, that its purpose is to determine whether the conduct in any individual’s death was legally justified, excused or criminal.
If the jury had ruled the killing a criminal act, a warrant would have been issued in the case.
Woodbury said after questioning 23 witnesses and reviewing more than 100 exhibits, he feels the inquest served its purpose.
“A coroner’s inquest allows us to openly and transparently present such an investigation to a jury that an impartially evaluate the evidence and determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Malone, 37, died February 15, 2020.
