Bo Blackwelder
Black male
Age at time: 33
Weapon: unclear
Carey Anthony Baccus
White male
Age at time: 47
Weapon: baseball bat
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Unprovoked attack
Location:
Defendant's Property
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2011
Location details: Outside defendant's home in Seffner, Hillsborough County, on March 10, 2011
What happened: According to an affidavit, Carey Anthony Baccus chased the victim, Bo Blackwelder, and struck him numerous times on the torso and head with a large copper wire and a baseball bat. Blackwelder's injuries included multiple rib and skull fractures, and at the time report was filed he was in critical condition. A police report obtained by the Tampa Bay Times was redacted by law enforcement and provided few other details.
The outcome: Baccus was charged with aggravated battery. A "stand your ground" motion was heard but Baccus pleaded guilty to lesser charge.
Investigating agency: Hillsborough 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? |
 |
||
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: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, March 15, 2011.
Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, March 14, 2011.
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
