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The retired Florida police captain who fatally shot a man inside a movie show in 2014 was acquitted of homicide by a jury late Friday.
Curtis Reeves, 79, was charged with second-degree murder after he gunned down 43-year-old Chad Oulson throughout a matinee screening of “Lone Survivor” in suburban Pasco County.
Protection attorneys and prosecutors had been in settlement that Reeves requested Oulson to cease texting throughout the film previews — which began an argument that ended with the previous Tampa police captain opening hearth.
Reeves pleaded not responsible on the grounds of self-defense.
His attorneys efficiently argued that police coaching knowledgeable Reeves’ resolution to open hearth, as he believed his life was in danger when the sufferer threw his cellphone at his face and appeared able to climb over the seat and assault him.
Reeves “had extra data, extra expertise, extra examine in that space than anybody on this courtroom,” protection legal professional Richard Escobar stated. “It’s a harmful world.”
Prosecutors countered that Reeves’ ego was bruised when Oulson threw popcorn in his face, and there was no real threat.
“In his total profession that’s the most he has ever been scared? Completely unreal,” prosecutor Scott Rosenwasser stated of the previous murder bureau, fugitive apprehension and SWAT workforce commander.
“He didn’t concern something.”
Oulson died on the hospital; his spouse was handled after being shot within the hand.
Smiling, Reeves embraced members of the family after a six-person jury despatched him residence following a 3½ hour deliberation late Friday.
“That is nice,” Reeves advised The Tampa Bay Times. “It’s been an extended eight years. I couldn’t look forward to it to be over with.”
The case made nationwide information in 2014 as Reeves claimed he acted in self-defense underneath Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law. A choose later denied that declare.
The trial was reportedly delayed on account of hearings, motions and COVID-19 restrictions.
With Submit wires
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