A recent decision came out that police decided not to charge a man who shot and killed a father outside a convenience store Sunday night because of Florida's "stand your ground" law. The argument arose when a customer started an argument with McGlockton's girlfriend for illegally parking in a handicapped spot. It all seems like a very unnecessary escalation.
Based off surveillance video and reports on the encounter, McGlockton pushed the customer to the ground after screaming at his girlfriend. While on the ground, he pulls out a gun and shoots him in the chest. McGlockton was then taken to the hospital where he was announced dead. Britany Jacobs, his girlfriend, stated that their 5-year-old son witnessed the shooting and was only "defending me and his children" and wants "justice."
The customer, Djreka, has a history of threatening to shoot a trucker in the past over parking over a handicap spot. However, the sheriff says that, legally, his history will not be relevant to the shooting.
"Stand your ground" law allows people to use deadly force if they feel like they are in immediate death or great bodily danger. Through this standard, you can only use force if you cannot safely avoid harm or death. The law has been under major public debate especially after the Trayvon Martin death.
Protestors have gather at the scene of the shooting in hope to gain justice for the family. They expressed their frustration towards how the case was handled by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
