John S. Tillman
White male
Age at time: 52
Weapon: unarmed
John Charles Gray Jr.
White male
Age at time: 45
Weapon: gun
Defendant photo: Orange County Sheriff's Office, 2007
Case type:
Road rage
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
No
Case year:
2007
Location details: Lee Road and Wymore Road in Winter Park, Orange County, on Jan. 11, 2007
What happened: John Charles Gray Jr. leveled his revolver at another driver after the two engaged in a heated road rage incident near Tampa. John S. Tillman said he feared for his life when Gray pointed the gun and yelled he would blow his brains out. But Gray eventually argued he was just defending his life by standing his ground against a driver out of control. The two never came to blows, but Gray was arrested after Tillman called police and directed them to Gray.
The outcome: The 5th District Court of Appeal upheld a lower court's decision to deny immunity in May 2009. Gray pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 18 months probation and required to take a firearms course.
Investigating agency: Winter Park Police Department
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: Fifth District State Court of Appeal, May 29, 2009.
Source: Orange County Clerk of Courts, Jan. 11, 2007.
Source: Winter Park Police Department, Jan. 11, 2007.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
