Courtesy of Raw Story:
A retired police officer who gunned down a married father who threw popcorn at him will use Florida’s “stand your ground” law as his defense when he goes on trial for murder.
The lawyer for Curtis Reeves confirmed that the retired Tampa police captain would use the controversial law to claim self-defense in the fatal Jan. 13, 2014, shooting, reported the Tampa Bay Times.
The 73-year-old Reeves was charged with second-degree murder after he shot 43-year-old Chad Oulson to death because he refused to stop sending a text message to his 2-year-old daughter’s day care provider.
Reeves’ attorney has maintained all along that video recorded inside the Wesley Chapel movie theater will show that Oulson attacked the older man first — causing Reeves to fear for his life.
Defendants must show they had a “reasonable belief” that they were threatened before using force — even if no such threat actually existed.
Reeves told investigators that he feared for his safety when he was struck in the face with an object that was later determined was popcorn, but his defense attorney suggested may have been a more dangerous object.
"May have been a more dangerous object?"
Once the popcorn actually hits your face are you not then aware that it was NOT a more dangerous object?
The idea that this asshole could get away with murder by claiming that he was terrified of flying popcorn sickens me.
But hey, this IS Florida.l
Retired Florida police officer who shot and killed a man for throwing popcorn will use the "stand your ground" defense. Well of course he will.
10:14 AM
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