Jose Gilberto Ramirez
Hispanic male
Age at time: 30
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Florida Department of Corrections
Owen Eugene Whitlock
White male
Age at time: 62
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Dispute over money/property
Location:
Defendant's Property
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2009
Location details: Shooter's property in Winter Springs, Seminole County, on Dec. 24, 2009
What happened: Owen Eugene Whitlock asked his daughter's boyfriend to transport a grill to a relative's home so the family could cook Christmas dinner. Witnesses said Jose Ramirez was upset with how the father handled the request and angrily told them he would not be disrespected. He later confronted Whitlock at his house, raising his fists and advancing slowly toward the older man. Whitlock fired his gun once, killing the boyfriend.
The outcome: No charges filed
Investigating agency: Seminole 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? |
|
||
Did someone witness the attack? |
|
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Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Dec. 24, 2009.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, June 3, 2012. Link to original source
Source: WDBO.com, Dec. 25, 2009. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
