As reported by NewsOne, Michael Dunn, 47, has been found guilty of three counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of hurling a deadly missile. A mistrial was declared on the first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of 17-year old Jordan Davis (pictured above).
Dunn was initially charged with 2nd-degree murder but his charges were upgraded to first-degree murder, in addition to three counts of attempted murder for each of Davis’ friends who were inside of the SUV. He claimed that he was “standing his ground” because he was in fear for his life.
The jury deliberated for four days and remained deadlocked on the 1st-degree murder charge and lesser charges, including second-degree murder, manslaughter, justifiable homicide or excusable homicide.
In essence, Dunn was found guilty of everything but murdering Jordan Davis.
During a press conference following the trial, Florida state special prosecutor Angela Corey said he will be retried for the murder of Davis.
“We intend to fully push for a new trial….Justice for Jordan Davis is as important as it is for any victim,” said Corey.
Some of Twitter’s most prominent users reacted with a mix of shock, grief and disbelief. Here’s what they had to say:
US can’t be freed from a demon it refuses to name. Racism is so embedded in our national identity yet we’re silent on its costs. #DunnTrial
— Rahiel Tesfamariam (@RahielT) February 16, 2014
“All we say to America is be true to what you put on paper.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
— Lisa Bloom (@LisaBloom) February 16, 2014
The CRIME: “Young, black and outside” ~@marclamonthill
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) February 16, 2014
Speak on it @goldietaylor . Dunn called his damn dog by name, but just called Jordan “Thug”
— ProfB (@AntheaButler) February 16, 2014
How long before Don Lemon admonishes young men to pull up their pants and stop listening to rap music? . #DunnTrial
— DR.BROWN-DEAN (@KBDPHD) February 16, 2014
Maybe it’s time the @TheJusticeDept sue the state of Florida over #StandYourGroundLaws #DunnTrial
— The Crisis Magazine (@thecrisismag) February 16, 2014
Just getting above ground to hear/read about the #dunntrial. Not surprised but certainly not satisfied that black lives end up short on
— L’HeureuxLewis-McCoy (@dumilewis) February 16, 2014
To stare injustice in the eye and have the mental toughness to continue to fight shows ultimate character. #DunnTrial
— Paul Carrick Brunson (@PaulCBrunson) February 16, 2014
Twitter Reacts To Verdict In Michael Dunn Trial was originally published on newsone.com