Florida woman who fatally shot man to not face charges due to ‘stand your ground’ law
Melissa Payne shot and killed 62-year-old Bart Diguglielmo, who was unarmed, in June in dispute over a parking space
TL;DR
- A Florida woman, Melissa Payne, will not face charges for shooting and killing Bart Diguglielmo, a 62-year-old army veteran.
- The shooting occurred in a Walmart parking lot in North Lauderdale during a dispute over a parking space.
- Prosecutors ruled Payne is protected by Florida's 'stand your ground' law, which allows the use of deadly force when fearing an imminent threat.
- Video evidence showed Diguglielmo, who was unarmed, aggressively approaching Payne and her vehicle.
- The state's amended 'stand your ground' law requires prosecutors to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the use of force was not justified, a bar they could not meet.
- The victim's family stated they are disappointed and believe property damage threats do not warrant deadly force.