Dallas Bail Bonds Update on Michael Dunn Verdict

Juror No. 4 Valerie, who has asked that her full name not be disclosed in order to protect her privacy, believes Michael Dunn should have bee convicted of first degree murder in the fatal shooting death of Jordan Davis.

During an interview with ABC’s Nightline on Wednesday Valerie said she believed Dunn was guilty. Dunn was convicted of 3 counts of attempted murder after firing 10 shots into an SUV where teenagers were sitting listening to loud music that he didn’t like.

Saturday Dunn was convicted by a Florida jury on the three counts of attempted murder and 1 count of shooting into the vehicle, but the additional charge of first degree murder in the death of Jordan Davis resulted in a hung jury. Prosecutor Angela Corey said she would seek a new trial on the charge.

Valerie says the jury was split on the first degree murder charge because they couldn’t agree on the issue of self-defense. Florida laws state the use of deadly force is justifiable if someone reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. Valerie stated the jury first voted 10-2 in favor of the first degree murder charge, then further into the deliberations the vote changed from 10-2 to 9-3.

Dunn testified that Davis threatened him and that he saw a gun although no gun was discovered by police and Dunn never mentioned the gun to anyone, including his fiancée who was present during the shooting.

The juror said all of the jurors, including herself, felt like Dunn crossed the line when he continued shooting into the SUV even as the driver fled to protect himself and the other passengers. In the juror’s minds, and most everyone else’s minds as well, whatever “threat” Dunn claimed he felt before had passed. It’s hard to claim feeling threatened when the threat is driving away!

Valerie said all the jurors believed there were other ways out, other options Dunn could have and should have taken. And that the whole situation should not have happened at all.

Dunn could have rolled up his window or not demanded they turn their music down, ignored the music or just put his car in reverse and left.

When Dunn demanded the teens turn the music down, the driver initially complied. Then the music was turned back up after Davis requested it be turned up again. Dunn became hostile when he could not get the teens to comply with his demand, and an argument ensued.

Dunn claims he was threatened, yet none of the teens ever got out of their vehicle, and Davis’ door was equipped with child proof locks that were activated at the time of the incident.

After the shooting Dunn did not notify authorities of the incident, and in fact went back to his hotel room and walked his dog. He returned to his home the following day which was a 2 hour drive away and still did not notify police.

As a matter of fact, Dunn never contacted the police about the shooting. His first contact with Florida law enforcement regarding the incident came when the police arrested him at his home. Dunn was not aware that there was a witness to the deadly shooting who had taken down his license plate number. It appeared Dunn thought he had gotten away with murder.

He later testified that after he learned of the death of Jordan Davis 6 hours after the incident, that he became extremely upset. Obviously not upset enough to notify authorities though! He also stated that after he became upset he took a nap.

Recorded phone calls from jail made by Dunn while he was awaiting trial were released by Florida prosecutors. The calls revealed Dunn’s true nature to the jurors. In the calls Dunn claims he is both the victim and the victor. He claims they (the teens in the SUV) attacked him, even though he admits they never stepped out of their vehicle or even opened a door.

Florida prosecutors plan to retry Dunn for the first degree murder charge, and Dunn’s attorney plans to appeal.

We’ll keep you posted o the events of this trial.

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