Jamie Nikia Bryant
Black female
Age at time: 28
Weapon: unarmed
Eric Yarnell Reed
Black male
Age at time: 29
Weapon: none
unharmed
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Domestic dispute
Location:
Defendant's Home
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2010
Location details: In the home the defendant shared in Seffner, Hillsborough County, on July 19, 2010
What happened: Eric Yarnell Reed and his five-months' pregnant fiance began arguing when he returned home early one morning after he had been out all night and she accused him of being drunk. Jamie Bryant said she followed Reed into the bathroom, shoved him and tried to block him from leaving the room when he tried to walk away. She then followed him into the bedroom and struck him with a knife sharpener and vase as the argument escalated. Reed then pushed her onto the bed and straddled her in an attempt to restrain her. Bryant said Reed attempted to punch her in the stomach, but she blocked the blows with her leg. Bryant's son from a previous relationship was present for part of the fight and tried to pull Reed off his mother. The deputy responding to the scene reported lacerations and abrasions on Bryant and an abrasion on Reed's forehead. Reed was charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman.
The outcome: Reed's attorney argued "stand your ground," saying Bryant was the aggressor in this case and that Reed had tried to walk away before pushing her to the bed. The judge granted immunity. The case was dismissed in March 2011.
Investigating agency: Hillsborough 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? |
 |
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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: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, July 19, 2010.
Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Aug. 10, 2010.
Source: Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Hillsborough County, March 17, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
