The trial for Michael Dunn, a Florida man who fatally shot unarmed black teenager Jordan Davis after a dispute over “loud music,” finally began on Monday, CNN reports. Dunn, who is charged with first-degree murder, plans to make use of the state’s controversial “Stand your ground” law.
The high-profile case that sparked national outcry has been compared to George Zimmerman’s trial in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, particularly since state attorney Angela Corey will also be prosecuting this case.
In November 2012, Dunn told police that he approached Davis and three other teens who were parked in a vehicle next to him at a Jacksonville gas station, asking them to turn down their loud music. Dunn claimed that the teenagers threatened him, and he became fearful when he saw a gun in their car. Dunn grabbed his own gun and fired into the vehicle approximately eight or nine times, CNN notes.
There was no gun found in the teens’ vehicle, and Dunn is also charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder for firing at the other teens. He has pleaded not guilty.
Dunn’s lawyer, Robin Lemonidis, told CNN that her client acted “responsibly” under the circumstances. “When all the evidence has been flushed out, I believe that it will be extremely clear that Mr. Dunn acted as any responsible firearm owner would have under the same circumstances,” Lemonidis said.
Read more at CNN.