Anthony Pignataro
White male
Age at time: 21
Weapon: unarmed
Howard Strickland
White male
Age at time: 20
Weapon: knife
Defendant photo: Florida Department of Corrections
Case type:
Fight at bar/party
Location:
Defendant's Property
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Unclear
Case year:
2007
Location details: Outside the defendant's home in Cocoa, Brevard County, on Dec. 23, 2007
What happened: Howard Strickland was hosting a keg party with his girlfriend when Anthony Pignataro allegedly slapped her. The incident sparked a fight, and Strickland pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed Pignataro in the abdomen. The unarmed man died at the hospital.
The outcome: A judge denied immunity under "stand your ground" and Strickland pleaded guilty to aggravated battery.
Investigating agency: Brevard County Sheriff
Case decision made by: Judge
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? |
|
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Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict? |
|
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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: Brevard County Clerk of Courts case information, April 13, 2012.
Source: Florida Today, Dec. 25, 2007.
Source: Florida Today, Aug. 1, 2010.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, Dec. 24, 2007.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
