Assault or Self-Defense

Two women went into a McDonalds in Greenwich Village in the early morning hours. They gave the cashier a $50 bill which he took to his manager. Checking for authenticity is not an unusual practice with large bills.

The women are identified as Denise Darbeau, 24 and Rachel Edwards, 24. Darbeau became annoyed and said, "B--ch ass N-word, checking my money like it's fake".  She continues to taunt the cashier. This is a very difficult video to watch, but this is what happens:




Darbeau was seriously hurt. She has a broken arm and a cracked skull and is still recovering in a hospital.

The man with the pipe is Rayon McIntosh, 31, who has a history of violence. He was released in May after serving a sentence for manslaughter. According to the Daily News reports, he was incarcerated for 10 years for shooting and killing his classmate in 2000. The classmate was only 17 years old.

Listen to what Darbeau's father has to say:



I have compassion for the father, but he must accept his daughter's role in all of this. These women instigated the argument, one of them slapped a cashier and then both jumped the counter. They were looking for a fight and they found one. They suffered the most severe injuries, but this sometimes happens if you engage in a fight.

When these women jump the counter, it's apparent McIntosh is not looking for a confrontation. He is moving away from them...to the kitchen doorway. He has no idea if they have weapons, but he knows they are after him. So, he grabs the pipe and starts beating them. However, once they are down, he continues to hit them. At this point, they are no longer a threat to him.

McIntosh is charged with felony assault and criminal weapons possession. The women are charged with misdemeanor trespass. They initiate the fight and they get a misdemeanor? There wouldn't have been an altercation if the women had acted appropriately. I can promise you, they will think twice before verbally and/or physically attacking someone again.

So, what do you think...assault or self-defense?

Peace