Skip to main content

Fatal Punch in Bar Fight: Self-Defense or Manslaughter?

We've all heard of these types of incidents happening through the years. Two guys exchange words, it ends up getting physical, and one guy throws a punch and knocks the other out.  He falls, hits his head and dies. That's just what happened between Standford Griswold and Brian Euston last year outside a Wesport, Mo., bar.

Griswold was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in Euston's death, and the case went to court last month.

Yesterday, Griswold was found not guilty on all counts. The investigation and trial focused on the self-defense question. Did Griswold respond appropriately with the punch? Griswold's attorney argued that her client threw the punch in self-defense and never thought he would kill Euston. That argument held up in court.

While many states view things differently based on their laws, it was ruled that Griswold did not commit involuntary manslaughter in this case. So, how do you prevent this from happening to you? Bottom line: It is vital to know your self-defense laws.

While in law enforcement, I received extensive training on the appropriate use of force in all situations; from the classroom to live action role play to real life tactics on the street. Most people that are not in law enforcement or the security field only have what they heard from their buddies, what they saw in an action flick or their own beliefs of right and wrong. This is unacceptable and most definitely dangerous.  If you value your freedom and your right to self protection, you must be up to speed on the law.  Even though Griswold was acquitted, this case was a stark reminder of how easily we can fall prey to poor decision-making. Being ignorant of the laws might just have you standing up when the bailiff says, "will the defendant please rise."

Do the research and train accordingly. What would you do in this situation?




Current Magazine Cover

Enjoy articles like this?

Subscribe to the magazine.

Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Reviews

First Look: Springfield Armory Kuna

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Industry

June '25 Issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Videos - News - 2nd Amendment

Colorado's Semiauto Ban

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Handguns

Kimber's Race Gun

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Handguns

Double-Stack Compact

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Handguns

May '25 Issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Optics

Pulsar Thermal Technology - James Sellers, CEO of Sellmark Corp.

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Rifles

Building The Legend: Gunmaker D'Arcy Echols

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Suppressors

SILENCER CENTRAL - BANISH 9K

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Industry

Guns & Ammo Buzz: The April '25 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Handguns

Guns & Ammo Buzz: Hamilton Bowen - Revolver Master

After evaluating the industry's new suppressors for 2024, Guns & Ammo's editorial staff and contributors awarded the Sil...
Suppressors

2024 Guns & Ammo Suppressor of the Year Award: Silencer Central Banish Speed K

Guns and Ammo Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Guns & Ammo App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Guns & Ammo stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Guns and Ammo subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Guns & Ammo stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use