Carlos Mustelier
Hispanic male
Age at time: 18
Weapon: unarmed
Thomas Baker
White male
Age at time: 28
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Robbery
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2010
Location details: On a public street in the Town and Country subdivision in Tampa, Hillsborough County, on Nov. 24, 2010
What happened: Thomas Baker said he was jogging after midnight with a gun fitted with a laser sight tucked into his waistband. When two teenagers approached and one lunged at him, taking a swing, Baker pulled his gun and asked "You wanna play games? You wanna play games?" according to the surviving teen. Baker fired eight hollow point bullets, striking 18-year-old Carlos Mustelier in the chest as well as the back. The surviving boy, 16, told police his friend had told him he planned to rob Baker. Neither of the teens were armed. Baker was carrying $950 cash and a concealed weapon permit.
The outcome: Baker was not charged
Investigating agency: Hillsborough County Sheriff
Case decision made by: Prosecutor
Trayvon Martin’s death became controversial because circumstances leading up to the shooting cast doubt on who was to blame. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed other “stand your ground” cases for similar circumstances. The Times relied on available information, some of which may not tell the whole story. When the situation was unclear, that was noted.
| Yes | No | Unclear/ disputed |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Did the victim initiate the confrontation? |
 |
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Was the victim armed? |
|
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Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation? |
|
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Did the defendant pursue the victim? |
|
||
Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict? |
|
||
Was the defendant on his or her property? |
|
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Did someone witness the attack? |
|
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Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Dec. 20, 2010.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, Jan. 12, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
