A Vancouver man accused of stabbing a man to death in downtown Vancouver’s Hough neighborhood in September argues it was self-defense and that he did not intend to kill the man.
The prosecution, however, has characterized him as a cold-blooded killer who was looking to harm someone.
Jack Raymond Yancey, 58, is on trial in Clark County Superior Court on a charge of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Gary L. Adams, 50, on Sept. 24.
Adams had been visiting a house at 900 W. 16th St. during the day and walked outside to leave that evening. Witnesses said they heard a commotion outside about five minutes later and saw Adams and Yancey in a confrontation, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Superior Court.
Yancey reportedly swung his hand at Adams’ stomach area and Adams fell back, grasped his stomach and yelled, “You stabbed me,” the affidavit says. Yancey allegedly replied with, “That’s what you get.” Although the entry wound was in the stomach, the knife was thrust in an upward direction, striking Adams’ heart and killing him, court records said.
Witnesses called 911 about 10 p.m., but when police arrived, Yancey had reportedly fled in a white Dodge Omni. Police were unable to find him that night. He was apprehended the following day across town at Acres Mobile Estates, 13401 N.E. 28th St., according to court documents.
During Tuesday’s opening statements, Yancey’s defense attorney, Michael Foister Sr., told the jury that Adams and Yancey had gotten into a dispute over a transaction involving used tires. He said Adams was angry and “surprise attacked” Yancey outside the residence. Both men apparently frequented the residence, which was often open to homeless people.
Foister said Adams was waiting for Yancey when he left the house and threw a makeshift knife at him but missed. He then began to beat Yancey in an apparent meth-fueled rage. Toxicology reports indicate that Adams had 1.3 milligrams per liter of methamphetamine in his blood at the time of the incident, he said.
Adams was “acting crazy” and ran at Yancey, yelling “I’m going to crush your skull,” Foister told the jury.
Yancey, who said he feared for his life, pulled out a standard kitchen knife, which was about 8 inches long, and stabbed Adams once, his attorney said. Yancey had the knife hidden in the waistband of his pants.
Foister said Yancey lived out of his car and used the knife for various tasks. “He was not armed to kill,” he said.
Deputy Prosecutor Michael Vaughn laid out a much different story, in which Yancey instigated the fight.
“We know exactly what happened in the final seconds of (Adams’) life,” Vaughn said.
He said a witness saw Adams with his arms outstretched on Yancey’s shoulders trying to keep him at bay before Yancey allegedly stabbed him.
“There’s no question in this case that single stab wound by Jack Yancey killed him,” Vaughn said. He added that Yancey did not attempt to help Adams or call for help. “He coldly walked to his car and drove away from the scene,” he said.
“No person goes … walking around with an 8-inch knife stuck in their waistline of their pants,” Vaughn added. “They’re concealing it for offensive purposes.”
Witnesses who had spent time with Adams before the incident reported that he was “giggling, laughing and flirting,” Vaughn said. Adams had left the house in a good mood, he added.
“Jack Yancey stabbed an unarmed man in the heart. This is not a case of self-defense; it’s a straightforward case of murder,” he told the jury.
He said Yancey, in a recorded interview with police, admitted to stabbing Adams. However, Yancey initially said he didn’t know Adams was seriously injured and that police were looking for him. Additionally, photos of Yancey following the incident don’t show any marks on him, Vaughn said.
After the prosecution’s statement, Foister asked Judge Robert Lewis to declare a mistrial. He argued that Vaughn violated Yancey’s rights when he told the jury about evidence that Yancey might use during the trial. Lewis denied the motion.
Yancey’s trial continues today.
