FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jury selection is now underway in the trial of a North Fort Myers man accused of fatally shooting his neighbor during an altercation in April 2024. The defendant claims the shooting was an act of lawful self-defense under Florida’s stand-your-ground law.
According to investigators, a dispute arose between two neighbors over alleged reckless driving within the residential community. The verbal exchange escalated, ultimately ending with one individual being shot as he attempted to leave the scene in his vehicle.
The defense argues that the accused feared for his safety and fired in self-defense. However, the incident has raised public questions about when Florida's stand-your-ground law applies and whether it protects individuals in rapidly evolving situations.
Criminal defense attorney John Musca, who was interviewed regarding the case, offered insight into how the law is applied in Florida.
Attorney Musca explained how this is a self-defense statute and there has to be good reason for using justifiable, deadly force in a situation without the duty to retreat. The threat has to be imminent, which means about to happen.
The trial is expected to continue throughout the week. Court proceedings began with jury selection and will move forward with witness testimony and presentation of evidence.