Stevon Deon Mitchell
Black male
Age at time: 34
Weapon: unarmed
Deounce Harden
Black male
Age at time: 27
Weapon: gun
unharmed
Defendant photo: Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Argument over love interest
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Unclear
Case year:
2006
Location details: In front of World Wash Car Wash, the victim's business in Jacksonville, Duval County, on Jan. 12, 2006
What happened: Deounce Harden and Steven Deon Mitchell had argued in the past over Mitchell's ex-wife, whom Harden was dating. Harden showed up at the carwash where the Mitchell worked and the two men began arguing. Harden shot and killed his unarmed adversary in front of the business. Harden then called the police, who found him standing over the body, holding a gun.
The outcome: The prosecutor declined to file charges against Harden, even though Mitchell was unarmed. The shooting was deemed justifiable "under a new state law that allows the use of force when a person is being threatened."
Investigating agency: Jacksonville 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 |
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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: Times Union, Jan. 21, 2006. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
