02-17-2014, 02:48 AM
It's very troubling if any one on the jury believed the Dunn was justified, given the evidence.
It's possible that none of them thought so and there were some hold outs who wouldn't go down from 1st degree to 2nd degree. But, I think that's highly unlikely based on the jury questions about whether finding Dunn justified on one of the counts meant that that they had to find him justified on the others. Seems much more likely at least one or more of the jurors thought Dunn was justified in shooting Jordan, but not justified in continuing to shoot at the car full of boys as they tried to get away. I hope one or more of the jurors decides to give an interview and provide some insight, even if they keep their identities hidden. I'd like to know the nature of the deadlock.
I was really off base upthread on speculating about the possible sentencing. The Florida laws are strange to me, but think I understand them now. Dunn could have gotten 10 years only if he'd been convicted of manslaughter using a firearm (9.25 years to 30 years is the sentencing range), not second degree murder with a firearm (25 to life) - and only if he'd been acquitted of the other charges given the consecutive sentencing guidelines.
To me, it seems too easy to lie and avoid a conviction for killing someone using the self-defense laws in the state. BUT, if you use a firearm in the commission of a felony in Florida and get convicted, you're likely to do more time than a lot of other states.
A hung jury was much better than acquittal, for sure. Today was Jordan Davis's 19th birthday. At least his parents didn't have to struggle with Dunn being declared justified in killing their unarmed son who never touched the man. They reportedly gave Angela Corey their agreement to retry Dunn for Jordan's murder. Will be interesting to see if that happens after sentencing is handed down for the attempted murders and, if so, whether he's charged again with 1st degree or instead 2nd degree.
It's possible that none of them thought so and there were some hold outs who wouldn't go down from 1st degree to 2nd degree. But, I think that's highly unlikely based on the jury questions about whether finding Dunn justified on one of the counts meant that that they had to find him justified on the others. Seems much more likely at least one or more of the jurors thought Dunn was justified in shooting Jordan, but not justified in continuing to shoot at the car full of boys as they tried to get away. I hope one or more of the jurors decides to give an interview and provide some insight, even if they keep their identities hidden. I'd like to know the nature of the deadlock.
I was really off base upthread on speculating about the possible sentencing. The Florida laws are strange to me, but think I understand them now. Dunn could have gotten 10 years only if he'd been convicted of manslaughter using a firearm (9.25 years to 30 years is the sentencing range), not second degree murder with a firearm (25 to life) - and only if he'd been acquitted of the other charges given the consecutive sentencing guidelines.
To me, it seems too easy to lie and avoid a conviction for killing someone using the self-defense laws in the state. BUT, if you use a firearm in the commission of a felony in Florida and get convicted, you're likely to do more time than a lot of other states.
A hung jury was much better than acquittal, for sure. Today was Jordan Davis's 19th birthday. At least his parents didn't have to struggle with Dunn being declared justified in killing their unarmed son who never touched the man. They reportedly gave Angela Corey their agreement to retry Dunn for Jordan's murder. Will be interesting to see if that happens after sentencing is handed down for the attempted murders and, if so, whether he's charged again with 1st degree or instead 2nd degree.