William Scott Phillips
White male
Age at time: 50
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Kevin Hallman
White male
Age at time: 45
Weapon: none
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Argument turned violent
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
No
Case year:
2011
Location details: Behind the victim's apartment building in Tampa, Hillsborough County, on July 24, 2011
What happened: According to a sheriff's report, the victim, William Scott Phillips, had been previously drinking with a homeless man but had left when the man called him and wanted to meet. When they met, he said, Kevin Hallman demanded to know, "Why did you take my damn beer?'' and punched Phillips in the jaw, breaking it. Hallman claimed self defense.
The outcome: "Stand your ground" motion was filed but withdrawn and defendant pleaded guilty to felony battery.
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? |
 |
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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 Sheriff's Office, July 24, 2011.
Source: Tampa Police Department, Dec. 10, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
