Jury Acquits Shooter Under 'Stand Your Ground' Law

[The Straight Story]

Jury Acquits Shooter Under 'Stand Your Ground' Law

POSTED: Sunday, May 23, 2010
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A jury has acquitted under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law a Boynton Beach man who fatally shot an unarmed 23-year-old .

Timothy McTigue killed Michael Palmer in May 2007 after the two argued and fought at a boat dock. A witness said the fight spilled into the 12-foot water.

McTigue shot Palmer in the side of the head as Palmer, whose blood alcohol content was 0.29, got out of the water.

McTigue's attorney told jurors he feared for his life and had no choice.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/23648430/detail.html

[dkf]

1. I don't imagine that using a gun in self defense only works when the other person has a gun.

The question is how serious was the threat. This story doesn't tell us anything.

[slackmaster]

4. The story tells us that a jury decided that Timothy McTigue had a reasonable fear

Of death or great bodily injury.

[The_Commonist]

2. "He was coming right for me!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE5pGeCUM-Y

[ProgressiveProfessor]

3. From what I have read, I can see reasonable doubt

Palmer's family has a cause page up and it does not have the verdict on it yet. They have had a bad go of things as of late.

[spin]

6. To be fair, you would have to sit in a juror's seat ...

and listen to all the evidence.

But jurors do make mistakes.

[onehandle]

5. Homer: Oh Flanders, won't you join me in my kitchen?

Wiggum: Uh, it doesn't work if you invite them in.

Ned: Hidely Hey!

Homer: Go home.

Ned: Toodly Doo!