Victims: Cedrick Antoine Howard (killed), Andre Lamar Jackson
The accused: Xavious McCray, Lavelton Williams
Cedrick Antoine Howard
Black male
Age at time: 25
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Andre Lamar Jackson
Black male
Age at time: 34
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Xavious McCray
Black male
Age at time: 20
Weapon: gun
unharmed
Defendant photo: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Lavelton Williams
Black male
Age at time: 34
Weapon: gun
unharmed
Defendant photo: Florida Department of Corrections
Case type:
Argument turned violent
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2009
Location details: Car chase and gunfight along a public street in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, on March 31, 2009
What happened: Xavious McCray was arguing with two brothers when McCray allegedly fired his gun and fled with his co-defendant, Lavelton Williams, in his car. The brothers chased the men, with McCray firing on them, until they crashed. When police arrived, they found one of the brothers, Cedrick Howard, dead from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Although first arrested on homicide charges, prosecutors reduced charges against McCray to aggravated assault and illegal gun possession by a felon. Details are limited because the case against Williams is pending.
The outcome: A judge rejected both defendants' motion for "stand your ground" immunity because they were breaking the law by possessing firearms as felons. "The legislature intended for the statutes to apply to regular, law abiding citizens and not those bent on criminal activity," the judge wrote in his order. Prosecutors reduced charges against McCray, who pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and was sentenced to five years in prison. Williams was scheduled for trial on firearm possession charges at the end of April 2012.
Investigating agency: West Palm Beach Police
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? |
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Source: Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Palm Beach County, July 11, 2011.
Source: West Palm Beach Police Department, March 31, 2009.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
