BULLHEAD CITY – Defense Attorney Jake Baldridge has issued a news release contending his client acted in self- defense when he shot and killed another Bullhead City man in the Walmart parking lot of Fort Mohave. Jim Mosier, 23, is charged with second degree murder in the May 19 incident in the 5200 block of Highway 95.

Baldridge’s statement said the firm of Whitney, Whitney, Baldridge, and Atkinson will continue to advocate for Mosier, noting that Mohave County is a Second Amendment Sanctuary by declaration of the Board of Supervisors.

“No person should suffer for exercising his or her right to bear arms for personal protection in accordance with the law of the State of Arizona and the Constitution of the United States of America,” Baldridge’s statement said.

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office said that Mosier and Larry Marcum, 41, had an encounter of some sort along the highway before they both pulled into the parking lot. Marcum reportedly confronted Mosier regarding Mosier’s alleged reckless operation of a motorcycle, according to agency spokeswoman Anita Mortensen.

There’s no dispute that both men drew weapons that they initially held by their side while they argued.

Mortensen said Marcum placed his weapon in a pocket and tried to kick Mosier.

“Mosier then raised his gun and fired one shot at Marcum, striking him in the upper chest area,” Mortensen said in her May 20 news release. “Marcum immediately fell to the ground. Mosier then holstered his handgun and called 911 with his cell phone.”

Baldridge’s statement said Mosier backed away as Marcum exited his van and advanced upon Mosier screaming slurs and yelling.

“Marcum, while armed with a loaded handgun, escalated the situation by aiming a kick at Mr. Mosier, who then raised his gun and fired one shot that struck Mr. Marcum,” Baldridge’s statement said. “Immediately afterward, Mr. Mosier himself called 911 to assist Mr. Marcum and remained on scene.”

Baldridge said the victim had a “mind-altering substance’’ (marijuana) in his bloodstream and that voluntary intoxication may have motivated his aggressive behavior.

Mosier has been in custody for roughly 4 months and Baldridge has asked for a change of release conditions so his client can gain freedom while his case is pending. A hearing is scheduled next Tuesday before Superior Court Judge Rick Lambert.

Dave Hawkins