Steve Kenny
White male
Age at time: 51
Weapon: unarmed
Anthony John Skaggs
White male
Age at time: 27
Weapon: knife
Defendant photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Case type:
Argument turned violent
Location:
Victim's Home
Initiator:
Defendant
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2011
Location details: Inside victim's home in Tampa, Hillsborough County, on Dec. 12, 2011
What happened: Steve Kenny was awakened by an argument between his female roommate and the defendant, Anthony Skaggs. When Kenny told Skaggs to leave, he replied, "I'm going to f___ you up'' then he stabbed Kenny in the arm, Kenny told police. Skaggs' mother later gave police recorded phone messages in which an unidentified person threatened her son.
The outcome: The defense files a Stand Your Ground motion although the hearing doesn't appear on the docket. Skaggs changed his plea on the charge of aggravated battery and was adjudicated guilty on May 2, 2012.
Investigating agency: Tampa 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: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, Dec. 15, 2011.
Source: Tampa Police Department, Dec. 12, 2011.
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Case last updated: Oct. 4, 2012
