A Maine judge must decide if the evidence in a Maine man's murder trial will include the alleged victim's prior conviction for motor vehicle manslaughter.
Jason Cote is charged with murder in connection with the July 2013 bludgeoning death of 47-year-old Ricky Cole. Cole was found in his rented home in the town of Detroit.
Ricky Cole was convicted of motor vehicle manslaughter in New Hampshire. The Morning Sentinel reports the Maine attorney general's office says in a court filing that the conviction would not necessarily justify use of force against him by Cote.
Cote has denied that he killed Cole. Police say he was high and seeking drugs when he went to Cole's home and beat him. Jury selection in the case is scheduled for Dec. 9.
