A Florida man who shot dead another man during an argument over a disabled parking space will not face charges over the killing, according to local officials citing the state’s controversial “stand your ground” laws.
The Washington Post says the victim – Markeis McGlockton, 28 – became involved in an altercation with 47-year-old Michael Drejka over the parking spot.
When McGlockton pushed Drejka to the ground, Drejka reportedly produced a gun, shooting McGlockton once in the chest. McGlockton died shortly afterwards at the scene, and the shooting was caught on CCTV footage.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told the Tampa Bay Times that because Drejka was “in fear of being attacked” after being shoved to the ground, he was within his rights to defend himself against further aggression.
“The law in the state of Florida today is that people have a right to stand their ground and have a right to defend themselves when they believe that they are in harm,” Gualtieri said, adding: “I don't make the law. I enforce the law.”
The case will be referred to the Florida State Attorney’s office for further review.
-
Femicide: Italy’s newest crimeThe Explainer Landmark law to criminalise murder of a woman as an ‘act of hatred’ or ‘subjugation’ but critics say Italy is still deeply patriarchal
-
Brazil’s Bolsonaro behind bars after appeals run outSpeed Read He will serve 27 years in prison
-
Americans traveling abroad face renewed criticism in the Trump eraThe Explainer Some of Trump’s behavior has Americans being questioned
-
Nigeria confused by Trump invasion threatSpeed Read Trump has claimed the country is persecuting Christians
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
