Gray Rico
Black male
Age at time: 34
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Marissa Alexander
Black female
Age at time: 31
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Domestic dispute
Location:
Private Property
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2010
Location details: defendant's home in Jacksonville, Duval County, on Aug. 03, 2010
What happened: Marissa Alexander, a battered wife who had an injunction against her ex-husband, Rico Gray, said she fired a single shot to get him out of the house during an August 2010 dispute during which his two children were in the house. A judge denied a stand your ground motion, saying Alexander's decision to go back into the house armed with a gun was "inconsistent with a person in genuine fear of his or her life.''
The outcome: Alexander rejected a plea deal that would have given her a three year sentence and was found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She faces a 20 year sentence. On May 3, another judge denied her motion for a new trial but said he would consider acquitting her on one of the charges based on the testimony of Gray's son that that he was not in fear of his life during the shooting.
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 |
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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: Action News Jax, May 14, 2012. Link to original source
Source: Times Union, May 3, 2012. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
