A Florida appeals court has dismissed charges that John DeRossett tried to kill three Brevard County sheriff’s deputies, citing the state’s “stand your ground” law. Plainclothes detectives tried to arrest DeRossett’s daughter outside the home they shared for prostitution. When the daughter began to scream for help, DeRossett grabbed a gun and opened fire, wounding one of the deputies. DeRossett argued he did not know the men were law enforcement and thought they were trying to kidnap his daughter. He spent five years in jail awaiting trial.
Founded in 1968, Reason is the magazine of free minds and free markets. We produce hard-hitting independent journalism on civil liberties, politics, technology, culture, policy, and commerce. Reason exists outside of the left/right echo chamber. Our goal is to deliver fresh, unbiased information and insights to our readers, viewers, and listeners every day. Visit https://reason.com