Michael Vaughns
Black male
Age at time: 16
Weapon: unarmed
Manuel Molina
Hispanic male
Age at time: 32
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Home invasion
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2006
Location details: Street near burglary victim's home in Dade City, Pasco County, on July 05, 2006
What happened: Manuel Molina, 32, caught a teenage burglar breaking into his home. Michael Vaughns, 16, broke away, but Molina chased him in a pickup. When he caught up to Vaughns, he got out and began firing at him then held the gun to his head to force him into his car. He told the teen he was a police officer. Vaughns was not injured.
The outcome: Molina was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, kidnapping and falsely impersonating an officer but prosecutors did not pursue the charges.
Investigating agency: Dade City Police
Case decision made by: Prosecutor
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: Dade City Police Department report, July 6, 2006.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, July 7, 2006. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
