Michael Dunn, the man who shot and killed 17-year-old Jordan Davis at a Jacksonville gas station over loud music, now tells police that he acted in self defense and shot the teen because he felt threatened. Some legal experts theorize that Dunn and his attorney will likely try and present a defense based on Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law.
Dunn, a resident of Satellite Beach, Florida and his girlfriend were in Jacksonville to attend his son's wedding. Davis and his friends, including his own girlfriend, has stopped at the gas station after a trip to the mall. Both were waiting outside the Gate gas station on Friday night while each of their girlfriends were inside buying something.
According to police, Dunn was upset that the car Davis and several of his friends were in was blasting loud music. A confrontation ensued and Dunn pulled out a gun and fired 8 or 9 time. The bullets fatally struck the teen.
Now, Dunn's attorney claims that he felt threatened and was acting in self defense.
Dunn's attorney Robin Lemonidis told CNN that her client saw a gun barrel through the car's window and that Davis and his friends had directed a string of profanities at him. That's why he apparently pulled out a gun and killed Davis.
"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," says Lemonidis.
There were no guns found inside the teens' SUV, according to The Jacksonville Sheriff's Department.
Dunn and his girlfriend then fled the scene. Lemonidis claims they were worried that they had encountered gang members.
The attorney's claims have many speculating that Dunn could use the "Stand Your Grand" law to defend himself in court. Though, few expect the defense to hold up.
"Mr. Dunn is going to have to answer the question, 'Why did you not call the sheriff's office? If you are reasonably protecting yourself, why did you leave the scene, get in the car, and the next day, flee the jurisdiction of Duval County?" Jacksonville Attorney Gene Nichols tells News4Jax.
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