Marion Christopher Kachnik
White male
Age at time: 68
Weapon: unarmed
Richard Fortner
White male
Age at time: 70
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Florida Department of Corrections
Case type:
Fight at bar/party
Location:
Defendant's Home
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2008
Location details: defendant's home in Cocoa Beach, Brevard County, on Oct. 23, 2008
What happened: Richard Carvell Fortner got angry during a card game because one of his guests was helping another player. The host, then 70, began arguing with Marion Kachnik and eventually retrieved his gun. Fortner argued that he only intended to make Kachnik leave but when the guest put him in a headlock, he had no choice but to fire. The first two shots struck the 68-year-old Kachnik's legs; the third his head. Fortner's attorney argued he was defending himself in his home and that the victim's actions amounted to burglary and assault.
The outcome: A judge denied immunity and Fortner was convicted of manslaughter and other charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Investigating agency: Cocoa Beach Police
Case decision made by: Jury
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? |
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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: Florida Today, Nov. 2, 2010.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
