Thomas Lockhart
Black male
Age at time: 28
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Volusia County Sheriff's Office, 2007
Walter Watson
White male
Age at time: 70
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Attempted burglary
Location:
Defendant's Property
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
No
Case year:
2007
Location details: On defendant's property near garage in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, on Jan. 16, 2007
What happened: Walter Watson heard a noise one night and stepped outside to find a man near his garage. He said the prowler told him to turn off the flashlight or "I'll kill you." The 70-year-old Watson fired his gun three times, wounding Thomas Lockhart.
The outcome: Not arrested or charged
Investigating agency: Daytona Beach Police
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 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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? |
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Source: Orlando Sentinel, Jan. 18, 2007.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
