Sherdavia Jenkins
Black female
Age at time: 9
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Sherdavia Jenkins | Miami Herald
Damon "Red Rock" Darling
Black male
Age at time: 21
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Miami-Dade Police Department, 2006
Leroy "Yellowman" Larose
Black male
Age at time: 28
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Miami-Dade Police Department, 2006
Case type:
Gang shootout
Location:
Victim's Housing Project
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2006
Location details: In a narrow courtyard in front of the victim's house in the Liberty Square housing projects in Miami, Miami-Dade County, on July 01, 2006
What happened: Nine-year-old Sherdavia Jenkins was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight between two men that was possibly over drugs. The shooters were about 50 yards away from Jenkins, who was playing with a doll near the porch of her house. Darling said he feared Larose would pull a gun on him so he pulled his gun first but was acting in self-defense.
The outcome: Both defendants were convicted. Larose pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Darling; he got 7 years. Darling filed a "stand your ground" motion which was rejected by the judge. At trial, a jury rejected second-degree murder and attempted murder charges, but found Darling guilty of manslaughter. The judge sentenced Darling to 50 years in prison. In 2012, a state appeals court upheld Darling's conviction and the trial judge's ruling denying his "stand your ground" defense claim.
Investigating agency: Miami-Dade 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 |
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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: Miami Herald, June 30, 2006. Link to original source
Source: Miami Herald, Oct. 29, 2009. Link to original source
Source: Miami Herald, Feb. 29, 2012. Link to original source
Source: Third District Court of Appeal, Feb. 29, 2012.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
