Charles Harper
Black male
Age at time: 26
Weapon: unarmed
Jimmy Hair
Black male
Age at time: 26
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Leon County Sheriff's Office, 2007
Case type:
Fight at bar/party
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2007
Location details: Outside the Top Flite Club in Tallahassee, Leon County, on July 21, 2007
What happened: After an altercation in a nightclub, Jimmy Hair shot and killed Charles E. Harper, who had forced his way into a car in which Hair was a passenger. The two tussled while a third man tried to drag the unarmed Harper away. Prosecutors pursued charges, in part, because Harper was being pulled from the car when he was shot in the forehead.
The outcome: Hair spent two years awaiting trial and was released when the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled "stand your ground" immunity applies even if the person presenting the threat retreats before the person standing their ground uses their weapon.
Investigating agency: Tallahassee Police
Case decision made by: Judge
Trayvon Martin’s death became controversial because circumstances leading up to the shooting cast doubt on who was to blame. The Tampa Bay Times reviewed other “stand your ground” cases for similar circumstances. The Times relied on available information, some of which may not tell the whole story. When the situation was unclear, that was noted.
| Yes | No | Unclear/ disputed |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Did the victim initiate the confrontation? |
 |
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Was the victim armed? |
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Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation? |
|
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Did the defendant pursue the victim? |
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Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict? |
|
||
Was the defendant on his or her property? |
|
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Did someone witness the attack? |
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Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: First District Court of Appeal, Aug. 19, 2009.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, Sept. 21, 2009. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
