There is no reasoning nor bargaining with evil. It simply is, and its job is to destroy.

Did you read it?

Chris said something which the witnesses could not hear. His assailant became angrier. Chris then said something that made him even more furious. He jammed the knife into Chris's chest.

There's "evil," and then there's turning a mugging into getting knifed in the chest. Unless you're saying that this was the norm for SF muggings in the 80's. It's pretty likely that 22 year-old guy acted smart. That doesn't make it right, all I said was that I'd be interested in what exactly he said to provoke the response.

Matters not what said he. He who wields the weapon bears the charge.

So if you get mugged, you might as well spit in the face of the robber, right? Or tell him it's a shame he didn't apply himself in school, then quote Socrates, and laugh at his ignorance? Seeing that things are totally out of your hands, or something.