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Advocates React to Michael Dunn Partial Mistrial

February 19, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando -- An advocacy group that formed after the death of Trayvon Martin is reacting to another case invoking debate over Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law.

A jury convicted Michael Dunn of attempted murder after he shot and killed unarmed, black teenager Jordan Davis following an argument at a Jacksonville gas station.

But, the jury could not decide whether he committed first-degree murder.  That has some critics calling for legal changes.  They cite jury instructions that referred to principals in Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.  

Among those critics is Sandra Khalifa, co-director of communications for the Dream Defenders.  "We see the Jordan Davis trial as far greater than Stand Your Ground, as far greater than Jordan Davis as an individual," she says.  "We see it as part of a system that’s in Florida that basically criminalizes and puts youth in color behind bars."

The Dream Defenders formed in Florida following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.  Former neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman admitted shooting the teenager but was found not guilty of murder charges.

 

90.7's Matthew Peddie and Carmel Delshad contributed to this story.


 

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