Devin Lively
White male
Age at time: 21
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Willard "Joey" McCullen Jr.
White male
Age at time: 22
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, 2007
Case type:
Dispute over money/property
Location:
Mobile Home Park
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2008
Location details: Near the shooter's mobile home at 8401 Bowles Road in Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County, on March 29, 2008
What happened: Willard J. McCullen shot his cousin after a dispute over $60. According to the victim's mother, McCullen shot him in the back and then again in the chest when he turned around. McCullen told investigators he was an NRA member and knew he had a right to shoot.
The outcome: Judge denied motion; McCullen was convicted of second-degree murder at trial and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Investigating agency: Hillsborough County Sheriff
Case decision made by: Jury
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 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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? |
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Source: Tampa Bay Times, March 30, 2008.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, Oct. 17, 2010.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
