"Mr. Mahoney told the court that Richardson was at Ms. Simmons' home when an argument ensued. Richardson went into the kitchen and got a knife.

A fight broke out between the two and Richardson threw Ms. Simmons on the bed and attempted to suffocate her with a pillow."

So "he" goes into the kitchen and gets a knife which "she" then manages to use to stab him? So "he" retaliates by trying to suffocate her.

Um Um... didn't he just admit that she acted in self defense? He admitted he went and got the knife and returned with it. Lock him up for three years minimum for having a bladed weapon and another 7 years for assault with a deadly weapon.