Nathanial Akbar
Black male
Age at time: 50
Weapon: unarmed
Zackery Peterson
Black male
Age at time: 57
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Leon County Sheriff's Office, 2008
Case type:
Dispute over money/property
Location:
Defendant's Home
Initiator:
Disputed
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2007
Location details: Defendant's home in Tallahassee, Leon County, on July 04, 2007
What happened: Zack Peterson shot his brother, Nathanial Akbar, in the arm in the escalation of what a police report says began as a verbal argument over clothing. Zack Peterson claimed that his brother advanced at him first. Others said Peterson went into his bedroom, retrieved his pistol, then charged his brother. Another brother, Edward Peterson, refused to complete a sworn statement and numerous people in the area at the time said they saw nothing and refused to cooperate, the report says. Peterson was charged with attempted first-degree murder.
The outcome: "Stand your ground" motion was denied by judge and his ruling was upheld by the First District Court of Appeal. Peterson, who had a felony record and shouldn't have had a gun, was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to two years and six months.
Investigating agency: Leon 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? |
 |
||
Was the victim armed? |
|
||
Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation? |
|
||
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? |
|
||
Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: First District Court of Appeal, April 23, 2008.
Source: Leon County Sheriff's Office, July 4, 2006.
Click here for more information about how we compiled these cases. Know of something we missed or have a photo to share? Submit a case here.
Case last updated: July 3, 2012
