"Stand your ground" defense expected in shooting over theater texting
TAMPA, Fla. -- The lawyer for a retired police captain accused of shooting and killing a man during an argument over texting at a movie theater says he'll use Florida's "stand your ground" self-defense law in an attempt to get charges dismissed.
The Tampa Bay Times reports the decision to pursue the strategy had been expected.
Seventy-three-year-old Curtis Reeves was arrested in 2014 on a murder charge after the shooting death of 43-year-old Chad Oulson during an argument over texting in the theater. Reeves' lawyer, Richard Escobar, says video from the theater will prove Oulson attacked Reeves first and that Reeves acted in self-defense.
If a judge determines the incident meets the "stand your ground" criteria, Reeves will be immune from criminal prosecution and civil action.
Florida's legislature reportedly passed the law in 2005, allowing people to use deadly force when they fear death or bodily harm.