Michael Palmer
White male
Age at time: 23
Weapon: unarmed
Timothy McTigue
White male
Age at time: 44
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Argument turned violent
Location:
Public
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Unclear
Case year:
2007
Location details: Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach, Palm Beach County, on May 06, 2007
What happened: Michael Palmer, 23, started a fight with Timothy McTigue that landed both boaters in the water. As they fought, McTigue said, Palmer tried to drown him. McTigue, then 44, shot Palmer in the back of the head as he was climbing out of the water. Prosecutors said the younger man was in retreat and unarmed. They cited physical evidence showing the two men were not close together when the shot was fired. But a jury found McTigue not guilty in the slaying.
The outcome: A jury acquitted McTigue.
Investigating agency: Palm Beach County Sheriff
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 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Did the victim initiate the confrontation? |
 |
||
Was the victim armed? |
|
||
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? |
|
||
Did someone witness the attack? |
|
||
Was there physical evidence? |
|
Source: Palm Beach Post, May 22, 2010.
Source: Palm Beach Post, March 26, 2012. Link to original source
Source: Sun Sentinel, May 15, 2007. Link to original source
Source: Sun Sentinel, Sept. 13, 2011.
Click here for more information about how we compiled these cases. Know of something we missed or have a photo to share? Submit a case here.
Case last updated: July 3, 2012
