Bob McCullen
White male
Age at time: 53
Weapon: unarmed
James Elrod
White male
Age at time: 40
Weapon: none
Defendant photo: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Fight at bar/party
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2007
Location details: Trotti's Lounge in Safety Harbor, Pinellas County, on June 02, 2007
What happened: James Elrod, 40, and Bob McCullen, 53, were arguing at a bar when McCullen approached Elrod, putting his hand on the man's shoulder or neck. Elrod reacted by extending his arm, striking the victim with an open palm. McMullen fell to the ground and died 10 days later in the hospital.
The outcome: Elrod was charged with manslaughter after McCullen died from a blood clot that cut off the supply to his brain. A judge denied his immunity motion, but then halted his trial in midstream and acquitted him.
Investigating agency: Pinellas County Sheriff
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? |
 |
||
Was the victim armed? |
|
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Was the victim committing a crime that led to the confrontation? |
|
||
Did the defendant pursue the victim? |
|
||
Could the defendant have retreated to avoid the conflict? |
|
||
Was the defendant on his or her property? |
|
||
Did someone witness the attack? |
|
||
Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: Pinellas County Clerk of Court case progress docket, April 25, 2012.
Source: Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, Pinellas County, Dec. 18, 2009.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, March 31, 2010.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
