Milton Torres
Hispanic male
Age at time: 25
Weapon: unarmed
Craig Sandhaus
White male
Age at time: 27
Weapon: knife
Defendant photo: Orange County Sheriff's Office, 2011
Case type:
Fight at bar/party
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2011
Location details: Outside the Lodge, a downtown bar in Orlando, Orange County, on May 07, 2011
What happened: Craig Sandhaus fatally stabbed a bouncer at the Lodge bar after the bouncer and his brother began fighting. Sanhaus claimed several bouncers were assaulting his brother while one of them restrained him, so he used a knife to get free. A judge ruled he could have used his fists instead of the large knife. Milton Torres, 25, died after being stabbed three times. The Sandhaus brothers were being escorted out of the Lodge because patrons complained they were pouring beer on them from the balcony. Sandhaus said the bouncer used his hands to mimic a gun and then shoved his brother, sparking the fight.
The outcome: Orange County Circuit Court Judge Alan Apte ruled Sandhaus is not immune from prosecution. Trial pending.
Investigating agency: Orlando 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 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
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: Orange County Clerk of Courts, May 7, 2011.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, Jan. 18, 2012. Link to original source
Source: Orlando Sentinel, Feb. 17, 2012.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
