Lucio D. Rivera
White male
Age at time: 39
Weapon: knife (disputed)
Brian Edward Clark
White male
Age at time: 25
Weapon: none
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Neighborhood dispute
Location:
Disputed
Initiator:
Disputed
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2010
Location details: Either victim's or defendant's property in Tampa, Hillsborough County, on June 12, 2010
What happened: The defendant, Brian Clark, and the victim, Lucio Rivera, were neighbors who argued over Rivera's allegedly loud music. According to the police report, Clark said he had told Rivera to turn down the music, walked away and was sitting on his own porch when Rivera, who seemed very intoxicated, appeared and pulled a large knife from his waistband. Clark said he then punched his neighbor, seriously injuring his eye. He was charged with assault but argued self defense. Rivera denied having a knife and said Clark was on his property. Each man had a friend or family member supporting their version of events, but police found no unbiased witnesses.
The outcome: "Stand your ground" motion was granted by the judge.
Investigating agency: Hillsborough County Sheriff
Investigating agency: Tampa 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? |
 |
||
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, July 26, 2010.
Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Aug. 2, 2010.
Source: Tampa Police Department, June 12, 2010.
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
