Florida law prevents arrest of man in fatal shooting
Argument over a parking spot turns deadly before shooter walks free
A Florida man who shot dead another man during an argument over a disabled parking space will not face charges over the killing, according to local officials citing the state’s controversial “stand your ground” laws.
The Washington Post says the victim – Markeis McGlockton, 28 – became involved in an altercation with 47-year-old Michael Drejka over the parking spot.
When McGlockton pushed Drejka to the ground, Drejka reportedly produced a gun, shooting McGlockton once in the chest. McGlockton died shortly afterwards at the scene, and the shooting was caught on CCTV footage.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told the Tampa Bay Times that because Drejka was “in fear of being attacked” after being shoved to the ground, he was within his rights to defend himself against further aggression.
“The law in the state of Florida today is that people have a right to stand their ground and have a right to defend themselves when they believe that they are in harm,” Gualtieri said, adding: “I don't make the law. I enforce the law.”
The case will be referred to the Florida State Attorney’s office for further review.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 17, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - political anxiety, jury sorting hat, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Arid Gulf states hit with year's worth of rain
Speed Read The historic flooding in Dubai is tied to climate change
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Hong Kong passes tough new security law
Speed Read It will allow the government to further suppress all forms of dissent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Where is sex before marriage illegal?
feature Indonesia is the latest country to ban sex outside of wedlock
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
New law makes all South Koreans younger
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life
By The Week Staff Published
-
Shamima Begum: what next after ‘Isis bride’ loses bid to regain UK citizenship?
Talking Point Lawyers say the Isis bride was victim of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation
By Arion McNicoll Last updated
-
Nobel winner thought call was about broken lawnmower
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life
By The Week Staff Published
-
Shaquille O'Neal joins effort to amend Australian Constitution
Speed Read
By Grayson Quay Published
-
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and 17 other lawmakers arrested outside US Supreme Court
Speed Read The Congress members were attending a protest in support of abortion rights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Brittney Griner lawyers tell court she was prescribed medical cannabis due to chronic pain
Speed Read
By Brendan Morrow Published