Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law Back in the Spotlight After Shooting of Black Neighbor
Authorities are facing pressure to arrest and charge a white woman who shot and killed a Black neighbor in a case that has once again put Florida’s divisive stand your ground law under scrutiny. The shooting occurred on Friday night, and about three dozen protesters, mostly Black, gathered outside the Marion County Judicial Center to demand the shooter’s arrest. The chief prosecutor, State Attorney William Gladson, met with the protesters and urged patience while the investigation continues.
The Shooting and Investigation
Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four, was killed in the shooting that occurred after a 2½-year feud between neighbors. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said the shooter claimed self-defense, and detectives are working with the State Attorney’s Office to investigate this claim before moving forward with criminal charges. The stand your ground law in Florida means that an arrest cannot be made unless it can be proven that the shooter did not act in self-defense.
Protests and Demands for Justice
Protesters chanted “No justice, no peace” and “A.J. A.J. A.J” using Owens’ nickname. They carried signs saying: “Say her name Ajike Owens” and “It’s about us.” The Rev. Bernard Tuggerson spoke on behalf of the Black community in Ocala, calling for healing and answers.
The Neighborhood Feud
The sheriff said that since January 2021, deputies responded at least a half-dozen calls in connection with what police described as feuding between Owens and the woman who shot her. The shooter had been yelling racial slurs at Owens’ children before the confrontation, according to a statement from civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Owens’ family. However, the sheriff’s office has not confirmed whether there were slurs uttered or whether race was a factor in the shooting.
Stand Your Ground Laws Under Scrutiny
Stand your ground cases have sparked outrage amid a spate of shootings across the country. Florida is one of about 30 states that have stand your ground laws. In 2017, Florida lawmakers updated the state’s self-defense statute to shift the burden of proof from a person claiming self-defense to prosecutors. Before the change in law, prosecutors could charge someone with a shooting, and then defense attorneys would have to present an affirmative defense for why their client shouldn’t be convicted.
Conclusion
The shooting of Ajike Owens has once again brought attention to Florida’s stand your ground law and the issues surrounding race and gun violence. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging patience while they gather evidence. Meanwhile, protesters continue to demand justice for Owens and her family.
