Robert Williams
Black male
Age at time: 30
Weapon: unarmed
Jeffrey Pass
Black male
Age at time: 35
Weapon: box cutter
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Domestic dispute
Location:
Private Property
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2011
Location details: defendant's ex-girlfriend's home in Brandon, Hillsborough County, on April 24, 2011
What happened: According to sheriff's report, Rebecca Cora said her ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey Pass, unlawfully entered her home and attacked Robert Williams, who was in bed with Cora, with a box cutter. Williams was injured with wounds in the neck, back, left ear and left rib cage that required sutures.
The outcome: Judge denied "stand your ground" motion, saying he found the allegations against the defendant by Cora and the victim credible. Charge of burglary was dropped and Pass pleaded guilty to aggravated battery. Defendant was sentenced to 2 years, six months in state prison.
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? |
|
||
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, April 27, 2011.
Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, April 24, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
