Larenta Deshawn Dawkins
Black male
Age at time: 24
Weapon: unarmed
Victim photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Andrae Everton Absalom
Black male
Age at time: 26
Weapon: hammer
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Roommate dispute
Location:
Defendant's Home
Initiator:
Unclear
Witnesses:
No
Case year:
2011
Location details: Home of victim and defendant in Tampa, Hillsborough County, on Nov. 16, 2011
What happened: The suspect, Andrae Absalom, and the victim, Larenta Dawkins, were roommates who had been quarreling over the past week, with Absalom accusing Deshawn of selling marijuana. Dawkins arrived at the house one afternoon to find that the deadbolt lock had been changed. He went in through a back door, at which point Absalom came out of the bedroom and, Dawkins said, hit him with a hammer, opening a large cut on his head. Absalom said Dawkins struck him first, in the mouth with a closed fist. Abaslom, who then fled the house, said he acted in self-defense.
The outcome: Absalom was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon but judge granted "stand your ground" motion.
Investigating agency: Tampa Police
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? |
|
||
Did the defendant pursue the victim? |
|
||
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: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, Nov. 16, 2011.
Source: Tampa Police Department, Nov. 16, 2011.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
