Thread: FL Man Pleads Self Defense in Shooting Teen Over Loud Music

Originally Posted by ethanwinfield

But if someone tells you to STOP, you stop, right?

That depends on who it is. A police officer - yes. Most everyone - yes. A stranger who looks threatening - no.

Originally Posted by GloriaInTX

Lastly, do you think his girlfriend should have been charged with anything after she came out, got the answer that he "fired on those kids" and still left with him, and later fled with him? No, she wasn't there so I don't think she should be charged with anything. I'm sure he didn't tell her exactly what happened only his version.

According to to the article, he told her "I fired at those kids." No way would I just get in a car and drive away without calling the police or something if my signicant other had felt threatened enough (or just been crazy enough) to fire a gun at people. THEN when they saw on the news that someone had died, she still didn't call the police and went with him when he "fled." Therefore, I think she's kind of an accomplice.

As to the whole "I thought I saw a gun" thing.... no, I don't think it's a good defense. It's an easy excuse to fall back on, but I feel like you should have to be in very clear and present danger before you can just start shooting people.

It's stuff like this that makes me wish that guns weren't so prevalent in our country. If he hadn't have had a gun, he couldn't have shot anyone. If the odds were less likely that the teens had a gun (because guns are everywhere!), he would have been less likely to assume that they had one (IF that part of his story was even true.)

Is it just me or does the Stand Your Ground Law seem like code for the "Indulge Your Fear of Black Males" law?

Well, he felt that his life was in danger. Of course he can shoot at them. If cops can he can. *rolling eyes*

I do not like the Stand Your Ground Law.
This guy acted like a moron. He confronted them and then felt threatened (um...sensing a pattern here?)
GF should be charged. Even if I thought my husband acted in self defense I wouldn't leave.