Kenneth Torrens
White male
Age at time: 46
Weapon: unarmed
Louis Lanni
White male
Age at time: 28
Weapon: none
Defendant photo: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Dispute over money/property
Location:
Shop Where Defendant Worked
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2010
Location details: In front of barber shop in Palm Harbor, Pinellas County, on Nov. 18, 2010
What happened: Kenneth Torrens and his girlfriend approached Louis J. Lanni III at his place of work to get money that Lanni owed his ex-wife. Lanni called his ex-wife, saying he would bring the money by her home after work, then he started yelling at Torrens and his girlfriend. Torrens, a black belt in karate, allegedly pushed Lanni. Lanni responded by punching Torrens in the face. Torrens had an injury to his lip. Lanni was not injured.
The outcome: Lanni was charged with one count of battery, a misdemeanor. A "stand your ground" motion was filed by Lanni's public defender, but it was never heard. The charges were later dropped.
Investigating agency: Pinellas County Sheriff
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? |
|
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Was the defendant on his or her property? |
|
||
Did someone witness the attack? |
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Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: Pinellas County Clerk of Court case progress docket, Jan. 6, 2011.
Source: Pinellas County Court, June 27, 2011.
Source: Polk County Sheriff's Office, Nov. 20, 2010.
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Case last updated: Oct. 4, 2012
