A judge has denied the 'stand your ground' defense for a former Florida officer who fatally shot a man in movie theater.
Judge Susan Barthle ruled Friday that 74-year-old Curtis Reeves must stand trial in the death of 43-year-old Chad Oulson in 2014. The judge says a videotape of the events from that afternoon do not support Reeves' testimony.
Reeves is charged with second-degree murder. Reeves said he shot Oulson after he was either punched or hit in the face with a cellphone.
The incident happened in a movie theater in a suburb north of Tampa, after the two men got into an argument because Oulson was texting his daughter's day care during the movie previews.
Witnesses said the two engaged in a dispute over Oulson’s texting.
The men exchanged words and Oulson allegedly tossed a bag of popcorn at Reeves. Oulson also allegedly threw his cell phone. Moments later, Reeves fired a single, fatal gunshot.
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law allows people to use deadly force when they fear death or great bodily harm. Reeves is currently out on bond.