Abused teen sentenced to 40 years in prison for killing father, despite pleaing self-defense (Appleton, Idaho)

I've read more than one account about how abusive alcoholic dad BRETT REID was. Even though the son testified that dad pulled a knife on him and that he killed his dad in self-defense, the son was still convicted by a jury. The boy is now appealing.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090814/APC0101/908140477/1003/APC01/Neenah-teen-Zach-Reid-to-appeal-murder-conviction-in-death-of-father

Neenah teen Zach Reid to appeal murder conviction in death of father, Brett Reid
The Post-Crescent • August 14, 2009

APPLETON — Zach Reid, the Neenah teen sentenced Monday to at least 40 years in prison for strangling his father, will appeal his conviction.

Appleton attorney Kevin Musolf, who defended Reid, said Thursday that he filed papers with the court shortly after Winnebago County Judge Scott Woldt sentenced his client on Monday.

Musolf said Reid is eligible to have a public defender, as the Office of the State Public Defender represents offenders who cannot otherwise afford legal counsel.

Musolf said a public defender will be appointed for Reid "and I'll advise the public defender to potential issues" justifying an appeal.

Reid, 17, was convicted in June of strangling his 53-year-old father, Brett Reid, during an argument in October. Zach Reid claimed self-defense spurred by years of abuse at the hands of his alcoholic father.

Zach Reid testified he put his father in a chokehold after Brett Reid threatened him with a knife.

Prosecutors said the teenager is fascinated by killing — even aroused by it — and meant to murder his dad.

A jury spent nine hours over two days in June before unanimously finding Reid guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the case.

The conviction carried a mandatory life sentence, but judges are allowed leeway to permit convicts to petition for release after 20 years or longer.

Reid issued a one-sentence apology, including the phrase "what I testified to is what happened" as a reminder of his self-defense contention just before being sentenced.