When questioned Saturday, Rouer said they were no longer engaged or in a relationship. These letters were written by Michael Dunn in jail and show a different side than you heard from him and his lawyers. We spend time getting to know Jordans friends, troubled by their loss and their own near-death experience. The jury could not reach an agreement on the charge of first-degree murder, and the judge declared a mistrial on that count. While no one from Dunns supporters are interviewed, we hear revealing excerpts from phone recordings of Dunns prison phone calls to Rouer, his claims of victimhood and denials. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. On November 23, 2012, Jordan Davis, a black 17-year-old high school student, was murdered at a Gate Petroleum gas station in Jacksonville, Florida, by Michael David Dunn, a white 45-year-old software developer, following an argument over loud music played by Davis and his three friends, in what was believed to be a racially motivated shooting. Saying, "I then realized that we hadn't really discussed what happened, as we were more concerned with whether or not anyone was hurt. Dunn's insurance company, Progressive Select Insurance, challenged its duty to cover the lawsuit, but dismissed its lawsuit in conjunction with the settlement. "When she was first interviewed, when you would expect someone to tell the truth when their memory is freshest she never mentioned a firearm," said former prosecutor Richard Kuritz. The couple came to town to attend the wedding of Michael. Rhonda testified when she turned around she saw Dunn outside the vehicle, and she then exited the store. She testified that she got out of the car and walked into the gas station. On the way back to their hotel, the two decided to stop at the Gate Petroleum . [47] McBath cited the activism of students after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting as a reason for her run. 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.. The murder was one of the primary inspirations for the award-winning young adult novel Dear Martin, by Nic Stone. Beforehand, the judge cautioned the court that if individuals felt they could not view these photos without outburst, they should leave the courtroom. As the Durango backed up quickly to elude the gunfire, Mr. Dunn stepped out of his own car, dropped to one knee and fired more volleys to thwart any blind fire, or wild, random shooting out the car window, he said. Moments later, Rouer told jurors, I heard pop, pop, pop.. Dunn doubts he would have even been arrested in any other County, discusses his plans to sue the pants off of the State once trial is over. Once parked, Rouer said Dunn told her I hate that thug music. Rouer went into the store to purchase the items and shortly after the gunshots rang out. She gave emotional testimony, just as she did in the first trial. Dunn's fiance, who served as an adversarial witness, said no such item was mentioned to her at any point. [7], The shooting of Jordan Davis took place in Jacksonville in Duval County. When Rouer woke up the next morning, she saw reports on TV about the gas-station shooting. The deputy and two others went to Dunn's home to arrest him. [36], Following the trial, Dunn's attorney filed for appeal with the First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida. Attorneys spar in loud music murder trial", "Michael Dunn Verdict: Florida Man Found Guilty Of Attempted Murder In Loud-Music Trial", "Teens testify shooter Dunn said "Are you talking to me? Her priority at the moment is to start a family and she said that she does not want to make promises when she does not know how she's going to feel in the future. The state called 27 witnesses in the trial, including the young men in the SUV with Jordan Davis and Dunn's then-fiance Rhonda Rouer, who was also there. During an attorney sidebar, defense attorney Waffa Hanania told Healey she had given Knox transcripts of Dunn's previous trial for his own knowledge. He describes his location as thugville. Reverse discrimination is rampant here and hes never been exposed to thugs like they have here. Dunn says it was self-defense. [27] Dunn's attorney subsequently requested that sentencing on the four counts of which Dunn already had been convicted be delayed until after Dunn's retrial. The police arrested him shortly after he arrived in Brevard, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. 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. Dunn and Rouer left the wedding early in order to return to their hotel and take care of their six-month-old puppy. Rhondas boyfriend is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of Jordan Davis, 17, at a Jacksonville, Fla. convenience store in November 2012. The deputy testified Dunn did just that, went to his knees as ordered where deputies placed him in handcuffs. The trial led to local protests and international media attention. The trial was halted briefly Saturday morning when a juror was dismissed. They didn't stop on the two hour drive home. A 400-pound white schoolteacher who was sitting by me really hated [Coreys] humor, and made the joke that she would have a hard time proving to a court that I am fat; there would still be reasonable doubt.. Then, I heard another pop,pop,pop.". Dunn later testified that he still feared for his safety as well as that of Rouer who was to return to the vehicle imminently. Former Florida state attorney Angela Corey stated that her office would seek a retrial for this charge. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. Cover letter where he is sending his version of things to be released. By turns weepy, insistent and mild-mannered, he explained why he pulled his 9-millimeter pistol out of his glove box, took it out of its holster and fired 10 bullets at a car occupied by four teenagers who prosecutors say were unarmed. He's very loving."[29]. However, Healey later said the juror claimed he did not make the remarks as Smith claimed. [40][41] Hendrix described Dunn as arrogant and controlling, adding that Dunn's ex-wives told him that Dunn was violent and abusive toward them, although he never personally witnessed this. The 9 a.m. start was delayed for more than an hour. Rhonda Rouer was with him the night of the shooting and in the hours after. 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). Ronda Rousey is currently recuperating after breaking her hand in the match at WrestleMania 35. He told his grandmother that the boys were liars and blames the media for favoring white on black crimes. Rouer may return again. An argument broke out between the passengers of the car and Dunn once Rouer walked . Follow Rhema Thompson on Twitter@RhemaThompson. (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. They returned to their hotel where they ordered pizza. The film debates the question: "Is it possible to be both pro-gun and pro-life?" That led to a legal challenge later in the day by the Florida Times-Union for the release of transcripts from the conversation. The films title indicates the brevity of the interaction from around 7:30 to 7:33 on a Friday evening and the estimated number of bullets fired. First Coast News has successfully fought for your access to these documents and we'll bring you more exclusive content on Thursday night at 8 p.m. during our special, Michael Dunn, fatal encounter. "It just took some time to get through that. Meet 46-year-old Rhonda Lynn Hallock Rouer. She complied, and saw Dunn put a handgun in the glove box. It was life or death.. "Don't worry, I was hoping for a little fun time as well." "Oh, you!" Arnold rolled his eyes, before smirking as he playfully used his hand to push her away. Prosecutors will call two more witnesses and then rest their case. The Berrys said they would often see Dunn socially for breakfasts on the weekends and through flying-related events.Following the Berrys was Frank Thompson, who also lived in Aero Acres and saw Dunn socially and in a pilot capacity. Rouer said the couple stopped at the Gate after the wedding to get a bottle of wine and a bag of chips. The two went back to their hotel, Rouer said, where Dunn ordered a pizza. Rouer said both she and Dunn had cellphones but neither dialed 911. He calls the civil suit we filed bogus. Healey said he was concerned about protecting the identity of the juror. In one of his calls to Rouer, Dunn explained his reason for leaving the gas station after the shooting. Live Video: Michael Dunn Trial Coverage You can also review more evidence like the photos here. "We were very happy," said Rouer, in tears. Simons testified that, in her medical opinion, she did not believe Davis was outside, or leaning outside of the vehicle when he was shot. [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. China's Xi heralds 'unbreakable' friendship with Belarus, an ally of Russia, Nissan recalls over 800K SUVs because a key defect can cut off the engine, Chicago voters resoundingly rejected Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection bid, China is buying more U.S. farmland, and some say that's a national security threat, Chinese officials monitor House panel hearing on U.S. economic competition with China, Sequential hurricanes are becoming more common because of climate changes. WTEV's Leslie Coursey reports on what's on the tapes. Example video title will go here for this video, Help Wanted: Jacksonville Jaguars position groups Breakdown. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The state called two more witnesses in the Michael Dunn retrialand rested its case Monday afternoon. He was still discussing whether Cory or the process was to blame and decided it was the process. Dunn has also pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder for firing at three of Davis friends. The defense is expected to begin presenting its case late Monday morning. He said she probably will get offers from Hollywood from testifying. When Rouer first testified in February during Dunn's original trial, she was visibly shaking and appeared close to collapse. Prosecutors have pounded on the fact that Dunn was ordering a pizza and walking his dog while Davis was being pronounced dead. Daviss parents, Ron Davis and Lucia McBath, were also visibly emotional in the audience. In Season 1 episode "The Night Terror Stalked the Town", it is revealed that James was named after a paternal uncle. If you remember about this case when it first happened, youll know Rhonda was with Dunn when the incident that took Jordans life, occurred. The two returned to Dunns home, where he was later arrested. . Rhonda laughed a bit before grabbing her boyfriend's hand as they continued to walk together. Dunn basically refers to himself as an authority figure to Jordan. Dunn's girlfriend Rhonda Rouer was with Dunn the night he allegedly shot 17-year-old Jordan Davis, at a Jacksonville gas station after an argument over loud music. While at the cashier's counter, Rouer heard the sound of gunshots. All the calls took place in December 2012 while he was in jail and were either his fiance, Rhonda Rouer, or his parents, Phillip and Sandra Dunn. She claims that Dunn told her to get in the car. 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. Another man who was considered for jury selection but didn't get on the jury told Folio Weekly that the man who got onto the jury spoke derisively about State Attorney Angela Corey's competence. [26], On February 15, 2014, after more than 30 hours of deliberation, the jury found Dunn guilty on the three counts of attempted murder. "I hate that thug music," Dunn told Rouer, according to her testimony. Gabel cautioned Healey that "the mistake" being made Saturday was "the same one made in the first trial.". She did not witness any of the confrontation between her fiance and Davis, Rouer said. We will consult wherever injustice lives. [22][23] In his criminal trial, Dunn had been declared "broke. Mr. Davis and two of the teenagers had no criminal record. 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. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. At times teary, his feet shackled, Michael Dunn, the man accused of fatally shooting a black teenager in November 2012 during an argument over loud music, took the witness. Zimmerman's acquittal happened in the summer of 2013, between Dunn's first trial, which ended in a partial verdict, and his second trial in the fall, when the jury convicted him of first degree murder. Rhonda's boyfriend is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of Jordan Davis, 17, at a Jacksonville, Fla. convenience store in November 2012. She also wasnt questioned this time around about whether Dunn ever mentioned to her that he thought Davis had a gun. Neither parent could have predicted what happened to Jordan the next day, or that it would spark one of the more galvanizing criminal trials in recent memory. Dunn and Rouer left the wedding early in order to return to their hotel and take care of their six-month-old puppy. Dunn stated that he received "ineffective assistance of counsel". After Simons' testimony wrapped up at around 12:40 p.m., court took a lunch break. Meanwhile, the trial of Michael Dunn resumes 9 a.m. Monday. A fourth teenager, the driver, has a third-degree felony conviction. Personal Injury Criminal Defense Family Law. He said he responded to the crime scene.After Rouer's testimony, Sukhan Warf, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime lab analyst and DNA expert followed. The film follows Rob Schenck, a pro-life Evangelical minister; Lucy McBath, the mother of teenager Jordan Davis; and attorney John Michael Phillips as they interact in the years after the shooting. Dramatic Testimony in Florida Stand Your Ground Trial Michael Dunn's fiance Rhonda Rouer takes the stand as a witness for the prosecution. Filmmaker Silver (Who Is Dayani Cristal?) I did it in my panicked state, he said, of the later volleys. Musser indicated that he did not view the friends as suspects, which is why their statements to police were not videotaped, and why the adjacent parking lot was never searched. According to her Facebook the Florida woman, attended Vogel Jr. Dunn was found guilty on October 1, 2014, at the conclusion of the retrial. "[24][25], In closing arguments at the first trial, the defense lawyer for Dunn cited the language of Florida's stand-your-ground law. I dont know what its like to have a baby. Distraught and quivering, Ms. Rouer said on the stand that Mr. Dunn never told her that night or the next day that one of the teenagers was armed. It would be the last good memory Rouer and Michael Dunn would have together. 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. On February 3, the jury selection process in Michael Dunn's murder trial will begin. [52][53] During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Davis' mother, Lucy McBath, talked about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and said, "His death doesn't overshadow his life."[54]. The trio said there was never a gun in the car. Also Read: WWE News: Ronda Rousey reveals why UFC match was bigger than WrestleMania, Booker T just voted in the Sportskeeda Wrestling Awards. Dunn and his fiancee, Rhonda Rouer, then drove to their motel, ordered a pizza and stayed the night without contacting police. "It clearly appears that Mr. Dunn is trying to refresh the recollection of his girlfriend or simply trying to tell her what she needs to say," said Kuritz. British director Marc Silvers tautly edited film, which won a special jury award at Sundance in 2015, was picked up by HBO and aired later that year. The state called 27 witnesses in the trial, including the young men in the SUV with Jordan Davis and Dunn's then-fiance Rhonda Rouer, who was also there. 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. "[45][46] She described Dunn as "a good man. WWE News: Ronda Rousey reveals why UFC match was bigger than WrestleMania. Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Russell Healey ultimately did not allow the diagrams to be used, but said he would allow the testimony from the expert witness.Just after 2 p.m., forensic consultant Michael Knox took the stand as the first witness for the defense. She looked outside and saw Dunn leaning out of his window. Dunn testified that on the drive home he called a neighbor who works in law enforcement to arrange to speak to him about the shooting, but phone records indicate that the neighbor actually called him, and Rouer testified that the shooting was never mentioned during the call. Early Saturday morning, Judge Russell Healey excused juror #4 because of a comment made by the juror that got published in Folio Weekly in an article titled, "An Interview with a Dunn Jury reject.". [57], Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 01:33, First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida, "Dunn jury hears from former fiancee, juror dismissed", "Michael Dunn, Jordan Davis, and America's Racist Heritage", "Black Teen's Shooter Rants About Killing 'Thugs' So They 'May Take the Hint and Change Their Behavior', https://efactssc-public.flcourts.org/casedocuments/2019/2063/2019-2063_notice_88213_notice2ddiscretionary20juris2028direct20conflict29.pdf, "Did Jordan Davis have weapon? When she did find out, she was willingly honest during her interrogation and spoke against her husband on the day of the trial. Brevard man charged in homicide: Another stand your ground showdown? He comments on my (the Davis attorney) assertion that there were no weapons and wishes his lawyer would counter these assertions. I apologize," said Healey on Saturday. 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