Marques Butler
Black male
Age at time: 23
Weapon: unarmed
Nicholas Ferro
White male
Age at time: 23
Weapon: knife
unharmed
Case type:
Argument turned violent
Location:
On Caroline Street
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2009
Location details: At Fantasy Fest in Key West, Monroe County, on Oct. 31, 2009
What happened: There was a clash between some local men and a group from Hollywood at Fantasy Fest in 2009. While the out-of-towners were waiting for a cab, there was an exchange of words which escalated into a street fight and Zachary Ferro fatally stabbed Marques Butler in the abdomen with his pocket knife.
The outcome: The 3rd District Court of Appeal denied Ferro immunity from prosecution under the "stand your ground" law. During the March trial, the defense argued that Ferro's action were "justifiable homicide." The jury spent days deliberating but a mistrial was declared when they were unable to reach a verdict. In July, a judge granted $750,000 bail to Ferro as he awaits his second trial.
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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Case last updated: Dec. 17, 2012
