Another 'Stand Your Ground' fatal shooting?

By Graham Winch

updated 2:42 PM EST, Wed November 28, 2012

NEED TO KNOW

Michael David Dunn is accused of fatally shooting a teenager at convenience store
Dunn's attorney says his client opened fire in self-defense

Michael David Dunn is facing charges in connection with the shooting death of Jordan Davis.

'Stand Your Ground' flaw?

Racial bias in ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws?

Florida’s "Stand Your Ground" law may be at the center of another controversial killing after a teen was shot to death over the weekend.

On Friday night, Michael David Dunn pulled his vehicle up next to several teenagers sitting in a sport utility vehicle at a convenience store and asked them to turn down their music, according to a statement from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

After exchanging words with the teenagers, Dunn allegedly opened fire on the SUV. Investigators say Dunn fired eight or nine shots at the SUV full of teenagers, killing 17-year-old Jordan Russell.

Dunn's attorney Robin Lemonidis, speaking to CNN on Monday, said that Dunn told police he shot at the vehicle because he felt threatened by a profanity-laced string of threats against him and his girlfriend and saw a gun barrel in the window of the SUV as the teens motioned like they were opening the door.

"When all the evidence has been flushed out, I believe that it will be extremely clear that Mr. Dunn acted as any responsible firearm owner would have under the same circumstances," said Lemonidis.

The police statement says no guns were found in the SUV.

It is not clear whether Dunn's attorney will use the "Stand Your Ground" law to help her client avoid prosecution. You may recall that George Zimmerman’s attorney said he will argue that the controversial Florida statute means his client, who fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February, should not be prosecuted.

Dunn left the scene of the crime because he was worried about gang retaliation, according to Lemonidis. He was arrested Saturday morning and arraigned on murder charges Monday. Lemonidis said she entered a not-guilty plea on her client's behalf. Dunn is being held without bail, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Ron Davis, the victim's father, told HLN affiliate WAWS he wants justice, "Whether it be through the legal system or to God. God's going to punish him for that, so me, I don't want to do anything to him."

Our partners:

Join the conversation...

HLNtv.com welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.