A fatal shooting in Jacksonville last week may lead to new scrutiny of Florida's Stand Your Ground self-defense law.
The story is that Michael Dunn, 45, a white software developer from Satellite Beach, went with a gun to the window of an SUV in a parking lot to ask that the black teens inside lower the volume of their music. Reportedly, hot words were exchanged and Dunn fired eight times, killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis.
Investigators said no weapons were found in the SUV.
The New York Times reports some are seeing similarities between this case and the shooting of Trayvon Martin this year:
The case has drawn parallels to the Trayvon Martin shooting because of the age and race of the victim, the fact that no weapon associated with the victim has been found, and Mr. Dunn's self-defense claim. (Defense attorney Robin) Lemonidis is considering using the state's Stand Your Ground law, which allows people who fear for their lives to retaliate with lethal force, as a defense.
But Lemonidis insists that this incident has nothing to do with and no similarity to the Trayvon Martin case. Dunn has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder.
A state task force has concluded its examination of the Stand Your Ground with a finding that it need not be rewritten or repealed.
