John Webster
Black male
Age at time: 30
Weapon: unarmed
Derrick Hansberry
Black male
Age at time: 34
Weapon: gun
unharmed
Case type:
Argument over love interest
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2005
Location details: Near public basketball courts at Pyracantha Park in Dade City, Pasco County, on May 08, 2005
What happened: The victim, John Webster, was playing basketball when Derrick Hansberry arrived with a gun. During a phone conversation earlier in the day, Hansberry had accused Webster of having an affair with his estranged wife. Witnesses, including Webster's wife, said Webster and Hansberry began fighting. Webster got Hansberry in a choke-hold. Hansberry said he began shooting to get free. The police report says Hansberry shot Webster once; when Webster got up and tried to run away, Hansberry pursued him and shot him at least four more times. Webster spent three weeks recovering. Hansberry was charged with attempted murder.
The outcome: Though the incident occurred several months before the "stand your ground" legislation went into effect, Hansberry's lawyer filed an immunity motion during the trial in 2008. It was denied by the judge but the jury acquitted Hansberry based on that defense.
Investigating agency: Dade City 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 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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? |
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Source: Tampa Bay Times, May 28, 2005. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
