Justice For Jordan Davis: Michael Dunn Trial Begins In Florida

The trial for Michael Dunn, 46, the Florida man accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Jordan Davisduring an argument because the unarmed teen’s music was “too loud,” finally began Monday and, according to his attorneys, the gunman plans on using the controversial “Stand Your Ground” law as his defense, reports Time Magazine.

As previously reported by NewsOne, Davis was gunned down by Dunn at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida on November 23rd, 2012.  Dunn claims that he felt threatened by the teen — who was sitting inside of an SUV with friends — and loud music coming from the vehicle, so he shot inside of it 8 or 9 times before driving away leaving Davis to die in a friend’s arms.

None of the teens had weapons.

Dunn was initially charged with 2nd-degree murder but his charges were upgraded to 1st-degree murder, in addition to three counts of attempted murder for each of Davis’ friends who were inside of the SUV.

“When all the evidence has been flushed out, I believe that it will be extremely clear that Mr. Dunn acted as any responsible firearm owner would have under the same circumstances,” said Attorney Robin Lemonidis.

As previously reported by NewsOne, Jordan’s father, Ron Davis, voiced his disbelief that Dunn would attempt to use “Stand Your Ground” as a defense.

“If you feel threatened, most people call 911. He never did that as far as I’m told. He sprayed the car with bullets, knowing kids were in the car, drove to his hotel and had a good night’s sleep. He came down the next day, found out someone died, my son Jordan Davis, and still didn’t call the authorities,” said the elder Davis.

Jordan Davis’ death has been compared to that of Trayvon Martin, who was gunned down by George Zimmerman on February 26, 2012.

As with Zimmerman’s case, as well as the case of Marissa Alexander, Dunn is being prosecuted by Florida state attorney Angela Corey.

In an interview with Jet Magazine, Davis’ father and mother, Lucia McBath, said that it’s been difficult to keep their son’s story alive and that they’ve bonded with Trayvon’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin.

“We were down in Miami to help celebrate Trayvon’s 18th birthday. We are in touch about what we’re doing. We’re trying to support them as much as we can. We do have bad days. The last thing you want to do is assume how someone feels. It’s hard to be strong when you are the one who lost a son or daughter. You do the best that you can, and that’s all you can do. I have told Trayvon’s father Tracy that anytime you want to call or text me, you can do that. It’s all a story until it’s not a story. He’s not going to be left by himself. It’s not about the 15 minutes.”