Shooting death of black teen puts Florida law back under spotlight

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://news.yahoo.com/shooting-death-black-teen-puts-florida-law-back-004720741.html

Shooting death of black teen puts Florida law back under spotlight

Reuters – 3 hrs ago

MIAMI (Reuters) - A Florida man appeared in court on Wednesday to face charges in the shooting death of an apparently unarmed black teenager in a case putting Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law back under the U.S. media spotlight less than a year after the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Michael Dunn, 45, is being held without bail on charges of second-degree murder for the Friday night shooting of Jordan Davis, who was also 17.

According to authorities, Dunn pulled into the parking lot of a Jacksonville, Florida, gas station alongside the SUV where Davis and three friends, all of them young African Americans, were listening to music.

Dunn asked them to turn their music down and, after an apparent exchange of words with Davis, he produced a gun and fired eight or nine shots at the SUV. At least two of the bullets hit Davis, causing his death.

Dunn, who was in Jacksonville for his son's wedding, sped off after the shooting but he was arrested on Saturday in Brevard County, Florida, police said.

Dunn's lawyer, Robin Lemonidis, told reporters that someone in the SUV brandished a shotgun and Dunn opened fire on the vehicle in self-defense.

"It will be very clear that Mr. Dunn acted responsibly, and as any responsible firearms owner would have acted, under these same circumstances," Lemonidis said.

She could not be reached for further comment on Wednesday but appeared to indicate that Dunn will invoke Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law in his defense.

The law gives legal protection to anyone, anywhere, to use deadly force in a case where a person is attacked and believes his life or safety is in danger.

Critics say the law, adopted under former Florida Governor Jeb Bush after a big push by pro-gun advocates, has been used to allow some Floridians to shoot and kill with impunity while also encouraging vigilante justice.

The law fell under a firestorm of criticism earlier this year when police in Sanford, Florida, cited it for their initial refusal to arrest George Zimmerman to face murder charges in the killing of Trayvon Martin.

Police say no shotgun or other weapon was found in the SUV where Davis, a high school student, was shot and killed.

Formal charges against Dunn will be filed at a court appearance set for December 19, said Jackie Barnard, a spokeswoman for the State Attorney's office for the Fourth Judicial District of Florida.

"The investigation is ongoing and we're waiting for the sheriff's office to finish their investigation," she said. "We'll review the evidence and the State Attorney's office will make the appropriate charging decision."

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I don't get what you are trying to say. Those young boys were in their car listening to music in a public place. If it was bothering him so much, he could have gone to a different gas station.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I don't get what you are trying to say. Those young boys were in their car listening to music in a public place. If it was bothering him so much, he could have gone to a different gas station.

Prepare for plenty of people to defend the shooter.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Prepare for plenty of people to defend the shooter.

Check the title, Bad Daddy already has.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Check the title, Bad Daddy already has.

And nobody's the least bit surprised. There will be more.

[james&olya 1,121]

And nobody's the least bit surprised. There will be more.

I am sure that for some, when they say 'Buy ammo' they are hoping the day comes they can do on a widespread basis what this Florida shooter did!

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

If you people actually took the time to read the title of that article you just might get a clue and notice what sells. Take the "black" out of that article and read it again.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

If you people actually took the time to read the title of that article you just might get a clue and notice what sells. Take the "black" out of that article and read it again.

What are we failing to notice here? I haven't mentioned race.

A kid is in an SUV with music playing too loudly. Dude claims he was irritated with the music, words were exchanged, and people in the kid's SUV pulled a gun, so he pulled out his, shot a couple times, and fled the scene. In self defense. So far, this gun that was pulled on the suspect has not been found.

What part of my understanding of the story is incorrect? Reading is difficult, so I'll need your help here.

Edited November 29, 2012 by Evylin

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

The big thing is he never reported the shooting and apparently when the couple saw the news later fled.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

The big thing is he never reported the shooting and apparently when the couple saw the news later fled.

He's going to end up doing time for this.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

The big thing is he never reported the shooting and apparently when the couple saw the news later fled.

Oh of course. That's what an average person would do if they killed someone in a legitimate act of self defense!

He's going to end up doing time for this.

If only the kid had act civilized...

[SMOKE 1,426]

If you people actually took the time to read the title of that article you just might get a clue and notice what sells. Take the "black" out of that article and read it again.

idk brother. even if they did show a shotgun. he got off 8-9 shots & none were returned. then he fled the scene. the 8-9 vs 0 doesn't sound possible & he left the scene before the police arrived. it sounds like he was looking for a reason to use his weapon.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

idk brother. even if they did show a shotgun. he got off 8-9 shots & none were returned. then he fled the scene. the 8-9 vs 0 doesn't sound possible & he left the scene before the police arrived. it sounds like he was looking for a reason to use his weapon.

Completely agreed.

Even though your signature is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read.

[decocker 7,198]

Even though your signature is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read.

[james&olya 1,121]

He's going to end up doing time for this.

If the stories, as reported so far are true, then I am sure you are right. He deserves to do a lot of time if accounts thus far are accurate and no evidence of a gun in the car is found!