Trial Begins For Florida Man Accused of Shooting Teen Over Loud Music
Feb. 3, 2014— -- The trial of a Florida man accused of shooting a black teenager begins today in a case that has drawn similarities to the George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin case.
Michael Dunn, 47, is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder after police said a November 2012 dispute with a group of teenagers outside of a Jacksonville convenience store turned deadly.
Dunn and his fiancée stopped at a convenience store on their way home from a wedding reception and pulled up next to a sport utility vehicle where Jordan Davis, 17, was sitting with friends, according to police.
Authorities said one of the teens complied when Dunn told them to turn down their music, however, Davis told him to turn down the volume again.
Dunn, who had a concealed weapons permit, then allegedly pulled out his handgun and fired several shots into the vehicle, fatally striking Davis in the back and groin.
Police said Dunn told them he feared for his life. Dunn's attorney said he saw a gun and fired in self defense.
Jury selection for the trial began today.
The George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin case brought focus on Florida's stand your ground law, although Zimmerman later waived that defense. At his trial,Zimmerman, 29, maintained he shot Martin, 17, in self-defense.
Angela Corey, the state attorney who tried the Zimmerman case, will also be prosecuting Dunn.
While Zimmerman stayed at the scene and wasn't immediately arrested, police said Dunn left the convenience store. He was arrested the next day after police said they tracked him through his license plate number.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
