Robert Fahrer
White male
Age at time: 42
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Pasco County Sheriff's Office, 2009
Lillian Dolores Fahrer
White female
Age at time: 59
Weapon: knife
Defendant photo: Pasco County Sheriff's Office, 2009
Case type:
Domestic dispute
Location:
Defendant's Home
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
No
Case year:
2009
Location details: The couple's apartment in New Port Richey, Pasco County, on Oct. 27, 2009
What happened: Lillian Dolores Fahrer fatally stabbed her husband in the chest during a drunken argument over the front door of their apartment being broken. Fahrer, 59 at the time, said her husband, Robert, had pushed her against a wall and threatened her. Prosecutors said the 42-year-old had a history of being violent with his wife. When she grabbed a steak knife from the kitchen sink, she said, he dared her to stab him. When he took a step towards her, she did. No one witnessed the stabbing, but there was documented evidence of past abuse.
The outcome: Prosecutors, citing "stand your ground," did not pursue charges.
Investigating agency: Pasco County Sheriff
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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Source: Tampa Bay Times, Dec. 23, 2009. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
