Severe Thunderstorm Watch expires at 7:00 PM on 5/19, issued at 12:52 PM Atlantic Beach, FL | Bryceville, FL | Callahan, FL | Fernandina Beach, FL

Witness statements may hurt suspect's bond chances

Set Text Size SmallSet Text Size MediumSet Text Size LargeSet Text Size X-Large
Share
Updated: 3/20 12:15 am
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Attorneys for Michael Dunn say witness statements aren't enough to keep their client out of jail.

Dunn is accused of killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis in November at a Southside gas station, after an argument over loud music.

An affidavit containing a portion of witness statements was revealed Tuesday during Dunn's bond hearing.

The state argued the papers contain an overwhelming case against Dunn, and that he should stay behind bars for now.

Jordan's father, Ron Davis, said the defense argument was prolonged by unnecessary hours of repeated testimony from Dunn's family and friends that he is not a flight risk. He called the hearing "boring" at times.

"He's not really breaking any new ground. The fact of the matter is, your client murdered my kid."

In a tense moment in court, Davis says he had to restrain himself when he saw Dunn.

"When I locked eyes with him, it took everything I had to stand firm."

But Dunn's attorney Cory Strolla claimed the Davis family would want the same time in court.

"I don't think it was just taking up time. You have to follow the rules of criminal procedure. Everyone's entitled to due process, and I guarantee you, if their son was charged with a crime, they would expect the court to take all day to hear the case."

Strolla argued Dunn is not a flight risk and has a job secured with a family business if he can return home.

"I think house arrest will absolutely ensure his presence in court, and that he's not a danger to society."

According to the affidavit, witnesses say Dunn pulled into the gas station parking spot next to the SUV carrying Davis and his friends. Davis was sitting in the back passenger seat. Dunn then asked them to turn down their music, which a teen in the front passenger seat did, but Davis wanted it turned back up. The two then began to argue, and soon one witness says Dunn displayed a semi-automatic handgun, and said, "You are not going to talk to me like that." They say he then fired multiple times toward he teen's SUV as they attempted to drive away.

Dunn told police he saw the barrel of a gun pointed out of the teen's truck and that he fired in self-defense.

Witnesses say the teens were seen driving to an adjacent parking lot and two of them exited the vehicle to survey the damage, but upon realizing Davis' injuries they returned to the gas station to call police.

Dunn's defense has claimed the teens had time to get rid of a weapon, but one was never found, and witnesses say the teens didn't remove anything from the SUV when they stopped, a point also revealed in previously released 911 calls.

"That 911 tape speaks for itself," said Davis family attorney John Phillips. "To say that these boys somehow left the scene is preposterous and a miscarriage of justice."

Phillips claims the statements are enough to deny Dunn's bail, although Judge Bass ultimately decided to hold off on making a bond decision upon further review.

Richard Kuritz isn't convinced Bass will side with the state. The criminal defense lawyer not affiliated with the case says bond may be granted, but it will likely be very high. He says the judge's decision to reserve her ruling was the right one.

"There are some judges that want to be a little more thorough. They want to contemplate what it is and not get caught up in the emotions of the case, and that was a wise decision on Judge Bass' part."

Bass could make a decision regarding bail as early as Wednesday. She is also considering a move to keep all witness names private to protect them during the high profile case.

Dunn's next pretrial is set for April 9.
Share
Inergize Digital This site is hosted and managed by Inergize Digital.