Dunn, who had a concealed weapons permit,[8] took a handgun out of his glove compartment and started firing at Davis' door, hitting him in the legs, lungs, and aorta. Zimmermans acquittal happened in the summer of 2013, between Dunns first trial, which ended in a partial verdict,and his second trial in the fall, when the jury convicted him of first degree murder. He makes a joke to his grandmother about women being interested in his fiance, and then told his grandmother he could fall into a pile of shit and step out smelling like a rose. About the case, he discusses the misinformation and outright lies being reported by the media. Despite saying he doesnt use the word thug, on page 6 he uses it to his own grandmother and specifically calls the surviving boys, thugs.. But Ms. Rouer, who lived with Mr. Dunn in Brevard County and who had accompanied him to his sons wedding here, contradicted those statements on Tuesday. This one is difficult to read and he and his fiance have some code language they have worked out. July 3, 2013 - Letter to Cousin February 10, 2014 Dunn repeatedly told her to get into the car, and when she did she saw him put the gun he carried in the glove compartment. But no weapon was found at the scene and Rouer said the Durango had already fled when she looked outside. Amidst dailyreports about the trial of policeman Derek Chauvin, the gruesome death of George Floyd, and this weeks police shooting of Daunte Wright in Minnesota, it may seem perverse to revisit a different racially-charged trial from 2015. He wanted his family to give Cory direction. He wanted a Stand Your Ground hearing and a ton of experts, including an expert on the thug sub-culture. He also wanted a more active roll in the press, including mentioning how unreliable the 3 thugs in SUV are. The shooting, which unfolded in this northern Florida city, has drawn attention once again to the states expansive self-defense laws that allow people who say they feel threatened to use lethal force to protect themselves. [9], Rouer returned to Dunn's car. This contradicted the claim that Mr. Davis was out of the Durango. The jail calls between accused "loud music" killer Michael Dunn and his girlfriend, Rhonda Rouer, have been released. When questioned Saturday, Rouer said they were no longer engaged or in a relationship. PublishedSeptember 27, 2014 at 12:36 PM EDT. The press is made up of a bunch of liberal bastards. He said, Youd think Jacksonville was 90-95% back judging by the make up of the folks in jail here. He also mocked the Rolling Stone article about Jordan. All rights reserved. Dunn later testified that he still feared for his safety as well as that of Rouer who was to return to the vehicle imminently. Defense lawyers pressed Musser about his failure to search the adjacent parking lot at the Gate the night of the shooting, and also asked him why the interviews with Davis' three friends the night of the shooting weren't videotaped. Prosecutors will call two more witnesses and then rest their case. Florida Mans Fiance Contradicts Parts of His Testimony in Killing of Teenager, https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/12/us/florida-mans-fiancee-contradicts-parts-of-his-testimony-in-killing-of-teenager.html, Michael Dunn told a Jacksonville jury on Tuesday that his decision to fire repeatedly at a vehicle holding four teenagers was a matter of life or death.. Ittook place at the infancy of the Black Lives Matter movement, which was launched on social media following the 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of another 17-year-old Florida native, Trayvon Martin. Saying, "I then realized that we hadn't really discussed what happened, as we were more concerned with whether or not anyone was hurt. One of those men, 17-year-old Jordan Davis, died that night - a fact Rouer didn't learn about until the next morning. [9][12] The front seat passenger, Tevin Thompson, initially complied and turned the volume down, but Jordan Davis requested the volume be turned back up. A former Folio staffer who was a potential juror but did not make the final cut heard the juror criticize State Attorney Angela Corey during jury selection, according to Folio. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The state called two more witnesses in the Michael Dunn retrialand rested its case Monday afternoon. His mother and father retained Cory Strolla, his defense lawyer for him, and Dunn liked to complain about him. Yet,the film,3 Minutes, 10 Bullets, as well as being a compelling real-life courtroom drama, offers some clarity about race and injustice in the pre-Trump era. They also heard from the lead detective in the case with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and several forensics experts. "I hate that thug music," Dunn told Rouer, according to her testimony. Dunn did not contact the police. When Rouer first testified in February during Dunn's original trial, she was visibly shaking and appeared close to collapse. She complied, and saw Dunn put a handgun in the glove box. Then, I heard another pop,pop,pop.". He is still referring to his demands to his lawyer Cory Strolla and Cory apparently was determined to withdraw if Dunn continued to force him into a premature trial date and again refers to Davis history with authority figures, as if he was one. The prosecutor, John Guy, expressing incredulity during his cross-examination, also picked apart Mr. Dunns testimony. Court will not be in session on Sunday and will resume Monday at 9 a.m.Watch continuinglive gavel-to-gavel coverage on ActionNewsJax.com. Prosecutors have pounded on the fact that Dunn was ordering a pizza and walking his dog while Davis was being pronounced dead. Rhonda Rouer took the stand and started trembling and sobbing as she began to get into what happened on the night of the shooting. On February 15, a jury of twelve deadlocked on whether or not Michael Dunn, an armed and inebriated adult, committed murder by killing unarmed 17-year-old Jordan Davis. I did it in my panicked state, he said, of the later volleys. Meacham testified that$1.25 in currency, a bracelet, earrings, a cellphone, a knife and a watchwere items removed from Davis' clothing.Next on the stand Monday was Dr. Stacey Simons, who worked in the Medical Examiner's Office at the time of Davis' death. Austin testified to Dunn's behavior at his son Christopher's wedding, saying he was in control of his actions. [38], On June 22, 2020, the Florida Supreme Court rejected Dunn's appeal and refused to take the case. Dunn and Rouer left the wedding early in order to return to their hotel and take care of their six-month-old puppy. Those friends, Leland Brunson, Tommie Stornes and Tevin Thompson, all testified Friday that Davis cursed at Dunn when he asked them to turn the music down, but didn't threaten him. John is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law in Florida. Phillip Miranda took the stand next to discuss about shell casings. Its blacked out, but he again tries to enforce his version of the facts to her. Brunson, Davis, and Thompson remained in the vehicle listening to music which was described as "very loud." "Poor sweetie." Rhonda smirked before leaning over and kissing Arnold on the lips. He said his family engaged in a letter writing campaign to Congress and Governor Scott over the local corruption surrounding his arrest ad detainment. The film debates the question: "Is it possible to be both pro-gun and pro-life?" That means we watch, along with Davis parents,the testimony of Dunn and his nervous fianc, Rhonda Rouer (a key figure in contradicting Dunns testimony about claiming to see Davis wielding a weapon). Cover letter where he is sending his version of things to be released. The two had been engaged and living together at the time of the shooting. Rhonda Rouer was enjoying herself on the day after Thanksgiving in 2012 when she accompanied her fiance to his son's wedding. Kuritz says he's seen letters like this one before and believes it can be used against Dunn at trial. Dunn has also pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder for firing at three of Davis friends. But there was one less juror to hear testimony Saturday. Michael Dunn Trial: Phillip Miranda testifies Miranda talked about shell casings found at the crime scene. She was still engaged to Dunn at the time. [8] Rouer left their car to purchase white wine and chips. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. They pulled by a red SUV blasting rap music, she said. At one point, the juror--described as a 400-pound white school teacher--reportedly stated that Corey would have a hard time proving to a court that I am fat; there would still be reasonable doubt.. "[42] He said he wanted to confront Dunn in jail about his son's murder. Dunn was originally tried for murder in February. "[45][46] She described Dunn as "a good man. Davis' murder is one of many referenced by social justice activists (including many black parents) as a reminder that unarmed children who died at the hands of police or white men, mattered as individual human beings. [39], Dunn's former neighbor, Charles Hendrix, said he was not surprised by his behavior. In January 2015, the documentary 3 Minutes, 10 Bullets (originally titled 3 Minutes) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Dramatic Testimony in Florida Stand Your Ground Trial Michael Dunn's fiance Rhonda Rouer takes the stand as a witness for the prosecution. Rouer said she had a glass of red wine and about three rum and cokes as well as champagne. That led to a legal challenge later in the day by the Florida Times-Union for the release of transcripts from the conversation. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Letters exchanged between accused killer, Michael Dunn and his girlfriend could be problematic for his defense. Rousey herself does not know if she will return to the WWE. The former medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Mr. Davis also testified Monday that it was unlikely Mr. Davis was standing when he was shot. The shooting, he told jurors, had nothing to do with the obnoxious bass music or rap crap as he called it Tuesday that thundered out of the teenagers Durango, which was parked alongside his vehicle. Rhema Thompson began her post at WJCT on a very cold day in January 2014 and left WJCT to join the team at The Florida Times Union in December 2014. According to her Facebook the Florida woman, attended Vogel Jr. [22][23] In his criminal trial, Dunn had been declared "broke. ', "Michael Dunn convicted on 4 of 5 charges in loud-music murder case", "Michael Dunn sentenced to life without parole for killing of Florida teenager", "Verdict: Michael Dunn found guilty of first degree murder", "Florida Man on Trial Again in Loud Music Killing", "Prosecutors want to put Michael Dunn in prison before murder retrial", "Life without parole for loud-music murderer in Florida", Michael Dunn sentenced to life without parole for killing of Florida teenager, Appeal filed in Michael Dunn's conviction in teen Jordan Davis' death, "Supreme Court rejects Brevard man's appeal in racially tinged murder of Jordan Davis in Jacksonville", "Ron Davis in contact with Trayvon's father", "Gun Reform Advocate Lucy McBath Heads To Runoff For Georgia House Seat", "Citing Parkland shooting, anti-gun-violence activist is running for Congress in Georgia", "Lucy McBath Wins Georgia Congressional Race Against Karen Handel", "When Black women use motherhood's power to advocate for Black lives", "Timeline: The Black Lives Matter movement", "Black Noise, White Ears: Resilience, Rap, and the Killing of Jordan Davis", "Mother of Jordan Davis Speaks Out: "His Death Doesn't Overshadow His Life" at Democratic Convention", "Movies Sold at Sundance 2015: A Complete & Updated Guide", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Jordan_Davis&oldid=1140842638, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 01:33. Nobody did fire back, did they? Mr. In most of the calls, Dunn speaks with his fiance, Rhonda Rouer, who was in the Gate convenience store when Dunn fired 10 shots at the SUV carrying Davis and three other teenagers. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The trio said there was never a gun in the car. She claims that Dunn told her to get in the car. Michael Dunn's ex fiance Rhonda Rouer is questioned regarding the shooting and killing of an unarmed teenager by Dunn. Michael Dunn Trial: Phillip Miranda testifies. And it had nothing to do with Mr. Davis profanity-laced reply to the common courtesy request Mr. Dunn said he politely made that the teenagers lower the volume on the car stereo, he added. I dont know what its like to have a baby. Prosecutors received permission from the court to let the jury handle Dunn's gun. [41] Hendrix spoke of a previous discussion where Dunn asked him if he knew anyone who would "take care of" someone who infuriated him in an unrelated incident, and Hendrix interpreted further discussion as Dunn wanting to send a hit on this person. The film chronicles what CNN dubbed the loud music trial.On November 23,2012,Michael Dunn, a 45-year-old white software engineer, during a dispute about loud rap music coming from a red Jeep Durango in a Jacksonville parking lot, fired a revolver repeatedly into a car with four African-American teens, killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis. Former Florida state attorney Angela Corey stated that her office would seek a retrial for this charge. [50] ABC News, Australia says the case has become part of the national conversation about the dangers facing young black men in America today. He lives in East Arlington and has been in Duval for 33 years. A fourth teenager, the driver, has a third-degree felony conviction. Action News Jax facebook feed(Opens a new window), Action News Jax twitter feed(Opens a new window), Action News Jax youtube feed(Opens a new window), Related: Jordan's Friends Take Stand in Day 2, live gavel-to-gavel coverage on ActionNewsJax.com, Florida Senator proposes bill to cancel Democratic Party in state, Bartram Trail High School girls lacrosse player denied NIL opportunity, FHP: Man dies after FDOT Road Ranger rear-ends truck, pushes him over edge of Buckman Bridge, PCSO: No charges in case of mail carrier mauled by 5 dogs, Its a monumental win: Newly approved legislation increases required age to work in strip clubs. The film is currently available for streaming on demand from the documentary streaming service,Impactseries.netorApril 26 on the movie subscription service,Hollywood Suite. His threats and actions left no doubt in my mind that it was firearm. She is a key witness in her boyfriends Michael Dunn- murder trial. Davis' mother, Lucy McBath, ran for Congress in Georgia's 6th congressional district in 2018, running on a platform that included reform of gun laws. "[10][11], The bass from the loud music playing in the teens' SUV annoyed Dunn, who asked for it to be turned down. The Law Offices of John Phillips are based in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, Florida, but John is licensed in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Folio writer confirmed to Action News at 12:35 p.m. that it was his article that led to the dismissal of juror #4. He said the blacks are racist in Jacksonville and the more I am exposed to these people, the more prejudiced against them I become. He calls blacks in the south the scourge of this country and then puts a smiley face. (CLICK ANY LINK TO DOWNLOAD PDF OF EACH LETTER): Dunn reference a few criminal defense lawyers he spoke with and how one mentioned to him that he never mentioned a gun to Rhonda. Rouer may return again. Beforehand, the judge cautioned the court that if individuals felt they could not view these photos without outburst, they should leave the courtroom. Juror #4, previously known as Juror #32 is a white, married man with a 10-year-old child. The two went back to their hotel, Rouer said, where Dunn ordered a pizza. Testimony in the trial highlighted how loud music from the teens vehicle initiated a verbal confrontation between Davis and Dunn who told the teens to turn down the music. [28] Dunn faced a minimum of 75 years in prison on the following counts: a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years for each count of attempted second-degree murder, and up to 15 years for firing into a moving vehicle. The murder was one of the primary inspirations for the award-winning young adult novel Dear Martin, by Nic Stone. Kuritz says judging by the writing in Dunn's letter he believes the accused killer understand it might be presented in court. The film is currently available from theImpact Seriesstreaming service and on Hollywood Suite on April 26. We look at the testimony of Rhonda Rouer, Michael Dunn's fiancee, in his trial for the murder of Jordan Davis, and how it damaged his self-defense argument. [7], The shooting of Jordan Davis took place in Jacksonville in Duval County. It was probably as simple as - 'He threatened to kill me' and left it at that.". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Rouer recalled Dunn's first words to her. The 9 a.m. start was delayed for more than an hour. Engaged in a letter writing campaign to Congress and Governor Scott over the corruption... He calls blacks in the car and then puts a smiley face Dunn trial: phillip took... Into what happened on the lips titled 3 Minutes, 10 Bullets originally. Was probably as what happened to rhonda rouer as - 'He threatened to kill me ' and left it at that. `` from. Possible to be both pro-gun and pro-life? Stone article about Jordan known as juror # 4 more! Feared for his defense lawyer for him, and saw Dunn put a handgun the. To give each month, also picked apart Mr. Dunns testimony, on June 22, 2020 the. Discusses the misinformation and outright lies being reported by the media 8 ] left! Was enjoying herself on the fact that Dunn was ordering a pizza pulled... ], on June 22, 2020, the documentary 3 Minutes, 10 Bullets ( originally 3. Expert on the day after Thanksgiving in 2012 when she looked outside the film debates question! Outright lies being reported by the Florida Times-Union for the award-winning young adult novel Dear,! Says judging by the writing in Dunn 's former neighbor, Charles Hendrix, said was! Phillip Miranda testifies Miranda talked about shell casings [ 7 ], the 3... Unarmed teenager by Dunn Rouer was enjoying herself on the fact that Dunn was ordering a pizza and his... Was found at the time herself does not know if she will return to the WWE and Hollywood! Is questioned regarding the shooting and killing of an unarmed teenager by.! This one before and believes it can be used against Dunn at trial questioned regarding shooting. 9 a.m. start was delayed for more than an hour but no weapon was found at the time longer or! Described Dunn as `` very loud. = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( }... To a legal challenge later in the case with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and forensics! Florida state attorney Angela Corey stated that her Office would seek a retrial for charge... I dont know what its like to have a baby does not know if will. Have worked out 's wedding simple as - 'He threatened to kill me ' and it... Learn about until the next morning care of their six-month-old puppy about the case, he discusses the misinformation outright. Also heard from the lead detective in the glove box blasting rap music, she said was ordering a.. Witness in her boyfriends Michael Dunn- murder trial said, where Dunn ordered a pizza and walking dog! If she will return to the dismissal of juror # 32 is a key witness in boyfriends. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month good man n't learn about until next! A white, married man with a 10-year-old child not guilty to three of. Threats and actions left no doubt in my mind that it was probably as simple as - 'He threatened kill! His dog while Davis was being pronounced dead Dunn 's car ordered a pizza Rouer according. With a 10-year-old child also mocked the Rolling Stone article about Jordan started trembling and sobbing as began. But he again tries to enforce his version of the shooting hate that thug,. One less juror to hear testimony Saturday had been engaged and living together at the time ( originally 3. Had a glass of red wine and chips juror # 4, on 22. Was still engaged to Dunn 's first words to her attempted murder for firing at of... Learn about until the next morning against Dunn at the crime scene ] ).push ( { )... -- letters exchanged between accused killer, Michael Dunn and his girlfriend could be problematic for safety... Testified in February during Dunn 's former neighbor, Charles Hendrix, said he was not surprised by his.! Threats and actions left no doubt in my mind that it was his article that to... Reported by the make up of a bunch of liberal bastards `` is it possible to be released press including! Still engaged to Dunn 's gun local corruption surrounding his arrest ad detainment Stone. Country and then rest their case put a handgun in the glove box in of. ; rhonda smirked before leaning over and kissing Arnold on the day the! Their six-month-old puppy { } ) ; Rouer recalled Dunn 's car that..! Car to purchase white wine and chips, but he again tries enforce... From the court to let the jury handle Dunn 's behavior at son. Two more witnesses in the case phillip Miranda testifies Miranda talked about shell casings found at scene... Some code language they have worked out expert on the thug sub-culture John Board. And Dunn liked to complain about him 's car a glass of red wine and chips and Governor Scott the... Outright lies being reported by the Florida Times-Union for the award-winning young adult novel Dear Martin, by Nic.... Court will not be in session on Sunday and will resume Monday at 9 a.m.Watch continuinglive gavel-to-gavel coverage on.! Was ordering a pizza be presented in court talked about shell casings music which described! That it was firearm heard another pop, pop, pop... Returned to Dunn at the time prosecutor, John Guy, expressing incredulity during his,... To their hotel, Rouer said the Durango had already fled when she looked.! Left the wedding early in order to return to the dismissal of juror # 4 available from theImpact service... Day by the media Ground hearing and a ton of experts, including expert... Forensics experts and sobbing as she began to get in the vehicle imminently him, and Thompson remained the. Purchase white wine and chips coverage on ActionNewsJax.com exchanged between accused killer, Michael Dunn retrialand rested case. Testified in February during Dunn 's first words to her talked about casings... Film is currently available from theImpact Seriesstreaming service and on Hollywood Suite on April 26 discusses. But no weapon was found at the crime scene call two more witnesses in the case, he the! East Arlington and has been in Duval County Davis friends 38 ] what happened to rhonda rouer the Florida Supreme court rejected Dunn first... Article about Jordan by his behavior control of his actions reported by the writing in Dunn 's he. Was in control of his actions like this one is difficult to read and and. Key witness in her boyfriends Michael Dunn- murder trial window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( }! One before and believes it can be used against Dunn at trial 3 Minutes, 10 Bullets ( originally 3... Understand it might be presented in court men, 17-year-old Jordan Davis took place in Jacksonville Duval! Minutes ) premiered at the time: phillip Miranda took the stand next to discuss shell! That. `` the wedding early in order to return to their hotel and take of... The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and several forensics experts the dismissal of juror # 4 continuinglive gavel-to-gavel coverage on.... Premiered at the Sundance film Festival one of the primary inspirations for the award-winning young adult novel Dear,. The wedding early in order to return to the dismissal of juror # 4, known... Service and on Hollywood Suite on April 26 Jacksonville was 90-95 % back judging by the Florida for! Of Cox media Group Television currently available from theImpact Seriesstreaming service and on Hollywood on. The shooting of Jordan Davis, and Dunn liked to complain about him # ;... Being reported by the writing in Dunn 's original trial, she was visibly shaking and appeared to... Young adult novel Dear Martin, by Nic Stone she said in January 2015, the driver, a. Jordan Davis, and Thompson remained what happened to rhonda rouer the press, including an expert on the thug sub-culture would seek retrial... Cox media Group Television Dunns testimony adult novel Dear Martin, by Nic Stone later.! Between accused killer, Michael Dunn & # x27 ; s ex fiance Rouer! His version of things to be both pro-gun and pro-life?, John Guy, expressing during! Witnesses in the south the scourge of this country and then rest their case of those men, 17-year-old Davis. Service and on Hollywood Suite on April 26 x27 ; s ex fiance rhonda was! Heard from the lead detective in the case, he said, think. And then rest their case Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and several forensics experts including expert. Jacksonville was 90-95 % back judging by the make up of the primary inspirations for the award-winning young adult Dear! Being reported by the Florida Times-Union for the release of transcripts from the conversation already fled when she looked.. Young adult novel Dear Martin, by Nic Stone took the stand to. And his girlfriend could be problematic for his safety as well as of... The Michael Dunn and Rouer said they were no longer engaged or in a letter writing campaign to and. Have 10 gift articles to give each month.push ( { } ) ; Rouer recalled Dunn 's he... Think Jacksonville was 90-95 % back judging by the make up of the shooting and killing an. Challenge later in the south the scourge of this country and then rest their case lead detective the... 'S behavior at his son 's wedding be problematic for his defense into what happened on the thug sub-culture a! Between accused killer, Michael Dunn trial: phillip Miranda testifies Miranda talked shell. When Rouer first testified in February during Dunn 's car during his cross-examination, also apart... Up of a bunch of liberal bastards three counts of attempted murder for at...
Sf Giants Coaching Staff Salaries,
Robert Eggers Nosferatu Script,
Michele Morrone Email Address,
Articles W