Florida Stand Your Ground Case
An attempted drug robbery in Panama City Beach ended in the death of one of the robbery suspects, an 18-year old who was shot and killed by the victim of the robbery. Four people in connection to robbery attempt have been arrested and face serious criminal charges. Controversy has stirred around the story since the shooter of the teen suspect has not yet been placed under arrest for murder.
Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney Albert J. Sauline, III was interviewed by WMBB ABC-13 to get insight into the case. As he explained during his interview, someone breaking into a household creates imminent fear and a threat of wellbeing to those inside. Therefore, Florida’s Stand Your Ground statute states people have the right to react with deadly force when it is needed, or when it would be believed to be needed by a reasonable person. To shoot and kill someone in apparent self-defense without ever being arrested is not unusual.
However, the case is complicated by the fact that the shooter followed the three robbery suspects outside of his apartment before firing a shot. Attorney Sauline further explained that you have the right to shoot and kill someone to defend your life or your loved one’s life from death or visceral harm. That right does not extend to protecting your property from theft or destruction, no matter its value. The shooter has not been arrested because he got into a physical altercation outside his apartment before shooting and killing a suspect. During that reported conflict, he could have reasonably thought his life was in danger again, especially since he was outnumbered three-to-one.
Interestingly, two of the decedent’s suspected accomplices have been charged with Felony Murder. They can be held legally accountable for the fatal shooting since the death occurred while carrying out a crime they allegedly orchestrated. The investigation is ongoing, though, so details, circumstances, and decisions on part of law enforcement could change.
You can learn more about this ongoing case by clicking here and viewing a WMBB ABC-13 news video by MyPanhandle.com, which features Attorney Sauline. If you believe you need the representation and experienced legal protection of Attorney Sauline and our Panama City Criminal Defense Law Firm, you should contact us right away. You can also call 850.250.3426 for a free phone evaluation of your case.