The video showed that the goon had backed off, but you don’t know what goes through the mind of a person trying to defend himself at a moment like that. Perhaps it’s better not to carry if your judgement isn’t razor-sharp.
I read a little bit of the court proceedings and there is no doubt that he knew the law.
His father was a cop and he used many words/phrases in his speech that shows he is well informed.
He did claim that all he saw after being knocked down is feet, legs and hips coming toward him, or close to him, I forget which.
I did not see the video. However if he had a blow to the head that caused confusion, blurred vision or caused him to fear for his life, it is possible that he did not see things the same as the video.
My own opinion is that the guy who got shot brought it on himself and well deserved it.
No matter what was said, no matter how heated an argument gets, violence is not allowed. A person who will fight you over words is very likely to kill you over words or at the very least do severe and lasting physical damage.
In short, the law does not allow you to physically attack someone over what they say, regardless of how unpleasant their words might be.
I think he had a ineffective lawyer or that would have been the cornerstone of his defense.
Regardless of my opinion, what is morally justified is not always legal and even what may be legal is not going to save your hide in court every time.
As in most cases like this, two people with very poor judgment met head on with a fatal result.
Therefore the best self protection advice is: At all costs avoid confrontations. A low profile is the best defense.
Many of us pointed out at the time that this would be the result of a trial. It was never in doubt.
Truth.
Everyone with a CCW would be advised to heed these words.
Dreams had just been blind sided and violently assaulted a second before.
I would guess that he was disoriented and we'll may not have seen McGlockton take that small step back.
Also notice the baby mama, supposedly in fear for her life, exits the car when she sees McGlockton approaching.
My guess is she wanted to get in on the action.