How could jury find man’s actions justified?

After reading the Oct. 9 article regarding Harry Rayton IV pleading down to a lesser charge of assault because of his friend being found not guilty of attempted murder, I just wonder what has happened to common sense and decency. On June 13, according to court testimony, these two men severely beat another man because the man speaking up to Rayton's accomplice for repeatedly just walking into his room without knocking. Rayton's friend, Adam Burkart, took the man to the ground and stabbed him six times to the chest, abdomen and his back. While this was happening Rayton was kicking and punching the man while he was down.

A jury found it was reasonable that Burkhart was not guilty of attempted murder and that his actions were justified because he was “protecting” Rayton. It sounds like he really needed protecting.

Since Burkhart was found not guilty of the charges, Rayton was able to plead to a lesser offense.

I find it alarming that a jury could find the above actions as justified. God help us.

Dean Jensen

Iowa City