Christopher L. Danford
Black male
Age at time: 21
Weapon: gun
Victim photo: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, 2008
Timothy Lavorne Johnson
Black male
Age at time: 36
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Attempted robbery
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2009
Location details: On a public street after an attempted robbery in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, on Oct. 22, 2009
What happened: Timothy Johnson was with a friend speaking to someone outside a Family Dollar when Christopher Danford pointed a gun at him and demanded money. Johnson's friend fled on foot and the would-be robber got in his car and appeared to be chasing him. Johnson, who had an illegal weapon in his car, said he drove off in the same direction looking for his friend. A few blocks away, Danford and the men with him blocked Johnson's car. Danford got out with his gun and Johnson said he fired to protect himself. He did not call police after the shooting. Danford staggered into All Children's Hospital but died in the emergency room. Johnson was charged with felonious possession of a firearm but not in the homicide.
The outcome: Johnson pleaded guilty to a gun possession charge but was not prosecuted in the homicide. He was sentenced to six months in jail.
Investigating agency: St. Petersburg Police
Case decision made by: Police
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: St. Petersburg Police Department, Oct. 22, 2009.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
