Leroy Scarlett
Black male
Age at time: 43
Weapon: stick
Victim photo: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Terald Redding
Black male
Age at time: 38
Weapon: knife
Defendant photo: Florida Department of Corrections
Case type:
Argument over love interest
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2007
Location details: Open field in Lake Wales, Polk County, on March 26, 2007
What happened: Terald Redding saw his girlfriend sitting in the back of Leroy Scarlett's pickup, and an argument ensued. Redding pulled a knife, and Scarlett pulled a heavy stick from the back of his truck. Scarlett hit Redding in the head, Redding grabbed Scarlett, cut his face and stabbed him in the chest. Redding's girlfriend, who witnessed the fight, said Scarlett's face was "hanging" after Redding slashed him. His friends drove him to a hospital, where police interviewed him.
The outcome: Redding, a felon, was convicted of attempted second-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He appealed, eventually won a new trial, filed a motion to dismiss and was denied. While deliberating, though, the jury weighed the "stand your ground" law and acquitted Redding.
Investigating agency: Lake Wales 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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Case last updated: Oct. 5, 2012
