Edward Borowsky
White male
Age at time: 28
Weapon: knife
Steven V. Lonzisero
White male
Age at time: 43
Weapon: knife
Victim photo: Broward County Sheriff's Office
Hygens Labidou
Black male
Age at time: 49
Weapon: gun
unharmed
Defendant photo: Labidou runs Impact Roofing in Riviera Beach
Case type:
Road rage
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2007
Location details: At a street intersection in Deerfield Beach, Broward County, on Dec. 13, 2007
What happened: Hygens Labidou was confronted by two men who yelled at him for his driving then stopped their pickup truck in front of his and threatened him. Labidou, who is black, told police the men pounded on his truck and yelled racial slurs. He said one of the men, Steven Lonzisero, carried a knife. Labidou stayed in his car and fired his gun, striking both men and killing 28-year-old Edward Borowsky. Sheriff's detectives initially arrested Lonzisero on murder charges for his role in his companion's death, but prosecutors declined to pursue those charges. Labidou, who had a concealed weapons permit, was not charged. He called 911 after the shooting.
The outcome: Not charged
Investigating agency: Broward County Sheriff
Case decision made by: Police
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: Miami Herald, Dec. 19, 2007.
Source: Sun Sentinel, Jan. 17, 2008. Link to original source
Source: Topix.com, Dec. 19, 2007. Link to original source
Source: WTSP, Dec. 19, 2007. Link to original source
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
