Kenneth Russell Pike
White male
Age at time: 19
Weapon: unclear
Victim photo: Florida Department of Corrections
Sheri Lovvorn
White female
Age at time: 44
Weapon: gun
Case type:
Burglary
Location:
Defendant's Home
Initiator:
Victim
Witnesses:
Yes
Case year:
2007
Location details: outside the defendant's home in Pensacola, Escambia County, on April 19, 2007
What happened: Sheri Lovvorn shot and wounded a burglar, Kenneth Pike, after she found him inside her home. The shooting took place after Pike ran out the door past Lovvorn and her pregnant daughter-in-law to a vehicle driven by his accomplice. Lovvorn fired a shot through the car's windshield, striking Pike in the shoulder, after the car came toward her.
The outcome: The state attorney declined to prosecute a case against Lovvorn, citing stand your ground. The prosecutor said Lovvorn was in danger because the car was headed toward her. Pike was charged and convicted on burglary charges.
Investigating agency: Pensacola 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 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
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: Pensacola Independent News, May 23, 2007.
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Case last updated: July 3, 2012
