Carlos Lopez
Hispanic male
Age at time: 17
Weapon: unarmed
Ehmanuel DeJesus
White male
Age at time: 32
Weapon: knife
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Domestic dispute
Location:
Victim's Home
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2011
Location details: In the victim's home in Tampa, Hillsborough County, on May 26, 2011
What happened: According to a police report, Ehmanuel DeJesus was drunk and refusing to leave his sister's home. When DeJesus' teenage nephew, Carlo Lopez, shoved him and knocked him to the floor, DeJesus swung a 2-inch pocket knife, leaving a minor wound on his nephew's neck. The fight continued outside until police broke it up and charged both men.
The outcome: Prosecutors charged DeJesus with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, but a judge granted "stand your ground" immunity.
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? |
 |
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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? |
|
Source: Tampa Police Department, May 26, 2011.
Source: Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Hillsborough County, Aug. 5, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
