Alain Romero
Black male
Age at time: 33
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Miami-Dade Police Department, 2012
Maury Hernandez
White male
Age at time: 32
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Argument turned violent
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2012
Location details: Ice cream shop in Windmill Gate Plaza in Miami Lakes, Miami-Dade County, on Jan. 07, 2012
What happened: A retired Broward County Sheriff's deputy on an outing to an ice cream shop with his fiance, kids and mother shot a homeless man. Maury Hernandez was having lunch with his family when a man who had been aggressively panhandling tried to assault the children, he told police. He said Alain Romero took a swing at him before Hernandez shot him multiple times, leaving him wounded. Police had previously responded to reports that Romero was aggressive that day with other patrons. Romero was unarmed.
The outcome: No charges filed.
Investigating agency: Miami-Dade Police
Case decision made by: Police
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, Jan. 8, 2012. Link to original source
Source: Sun Sentinel, Jan. 9, 2012.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
