Michael Parhan
White male
Age at time: 39
Weapon: unarmed
Paul McCummisky
White male
Age at time: 42
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Argument over love interest
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Unclear
Case year:
2008
Location details: On a public street in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, on July 08, 2008
What happened: Paul McCummiskey and Michael Parham's friendship became strained when Parham divorced his wife and McCummiskey developed a friendship with her. Things came to a head when McCummiskey followed Parham one day and called him names. At one point, Parham reached into McCummiskey's car and grabbed his shirt, McCummiskey told police. That's when McCummiskey fired his gun, missing Parham.
The outcome: McCummiskey was charged with aggravated assault. A judge denied his self defense motion and he was sentenced to four years after being convicted by a jury.
Investigating agency: St. Petersburg 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: Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, Pinellas County, Sept. 25, 2019.
Source: St. Petersburg Police Department, July 7, 2008.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
