Summary

Gerald Radford, accused of killing John “Walt” Lay in a hate crime, claims self-defense under Florida’s stand-your-ground law.

Prosecutors dispute Radford’s story, citing witness testimony of months of harassment, homophobic slurs, and a threatening video Lay shared.

The judge will rule on the stand-your-ground motion next week.

  • chetradley@lemm.ee
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    2 days ago

    What a fucked up country where if you want to murder someone, all you need to do is harass them relentlessly for days beforehand so when they eventually try to protect themselves you can shoot them and claim self defense.

  • ERROR: Earth.exe has crashed@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    3 days ago

    Can I try something like this, but with nazis?

    Oh no I was just talking to people, then I noticed a nazi armband someone is wearing so I panicked and have to murder use lethal force against him in an act of self defence.

    Lets call it: The Nazi Panic Defence?

    • GBU_28@lemm.ee
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      3 days ago

      Real talk, read and understand the laws in whatever state you’re in. There are varying expectations on retreat, and life threatening danger.

      • ERROR: Earth.exe has crashed@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        3 days ago

        If I see nazis walking around in my city and they hasn’t been beaten yet. I know I’m already fucked. Like I live in a deep blue city with like 90% democrats, if my fellow resident of my city don’t be punching nazis, my city is so fucked.

        But I honestly doubt we’d let things go that far.

        I’ve lived here for like 10 years and never seen a nazi. Like maybe racists or karens, but never someone doing actual nazi stuff.

        Don’t think my city people would ever tolerate nazis, and I hope that remains that way forever.

  • Snapz@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    Trace this back to the republican money that is likely backing the defense to ride this up to the Supreme Court and set legal precedence to murder LGBTQIA+ People.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    Lay shared a video claiming Radford had threatened him at the dog park the day before the shooting. In the video, Lay claimed he had an encounter with Radford at the park and that Radford told him, “You’re going to die.”

    So, because this is Florida, I assume the judge will rule that this is a definite stand-your-ground case. Gotta defend yourself against catching a case of the gays.

  • irotsoma@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    Sounds like people who defend themselves with deadly force have more rights than those who defend themselves without murder. So, the lesson should be to make sure to kill, not just injure someone who is attacking you? That’s what the gun companies have been wanting anyway. More people will need to buy their guns.