Court Trial Today Of Restaurant Owner Who Hunted Down And Killed Man Who Attempted A Robbery
TAMPA - 3 years ago, things weren't looking so good for Lawrence Storer. Charged with manslaughter after killing a career criminal who tried to rob him, Storer was labeled a vigilante gone wild. His trial today, the downtown restaurateur faces up to 15 years in prison.
But recently, Storer's fortune appeared to shift. The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that Storer's attorney be allowed to introduce evidence of victim Shantavious Wilson's criminal past. The opinion gave Storer's defense a significant boost and reaffirmed a lower court decision.
Storer's legal odyssey began Oct. 29, 2003, when Wilson pointed a pellet gun at Storer and told him to fork over his cash as Storer closed his Sumo Thai restaurant on Twiggs Street. Storer said he didn't have any money. Wilson, 24, ordered him inside the establishment, took about $15 from the register, then fled. After calling 911, Storer gave chase in his sport utility vehicle and ran over Wilson on Polk Street, killing him.
The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office charged Storer with one count of manslaughter.
Several legal experts raised doubts about the strength of the prosecution's case, saying Storer had grounds to argue he killed Wilson in self-defense. Under such an interpretation, Storer's attorney, John Fitzgibbons, could argue his client's actions, undertaken in the heat of the moment, constituted an "excusable homicide."
Fitzgibbons said the higher court's recent ruling gives his client an important strategic advantage. Evidence that Wilson had a pattern of provoking fear in his victims could help convince a jury that Storer's actions were an act of self-defense.
"We're pleased that the court concluded that they had no jurisdiction to overturn the trial judge's ruling," Fitzgibbons said. "We look forward to going to trial where the jury will have all of the evidence."
Storer, who continues to operate his restaurant, was not available for comment Monday.
Before his death, Wilson pleaded no contest to charges that he and an accomplice robbed a woman at gunpoint at a MacDill Avenue laundry in 1998. In 1997, prosecutors charged him with sexual battery on a girl younger than 12, which resulted in him pleading guilty to a reduced charge. In 1999, Wilson was sentenced to five years for carrying a concealed weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Not Guilty for Tampa restaurant owner, who killed armed attacker with truck
Tampa, Florida - It took nearly five hours but a Hillsborough County Jury found Lawrence Storer not guilty freeing the husband and father of two, from the manslaughter charge hanging over his head for the past three years.
Lawrence Storer, Found Not Guilty:
“I have a greater appreciation for life and I'm grateful for that.”
Storer says if he had to do it again, he would have never leave his Tampa restaurant and chase down 24-year-old Shantavious Wilson, who had just robbed him at gunpoint.
But at the time, his attorney argued, he was provoked and justified, a theory the jury apparently bought.
John Fitzgibbons, Storer's Defense Attorney:
“This is a good man here he's never had any problem in the past with anything and he reacted to having a gun put to his head, that' s what excusable homicide is and I think it was the right verdict.”
The victim's father, Augustus Wilson, left the courthouse visibly upset, without discussing the verdict. But earlier in the day, as the jury was still deliberating, he talked about what he and his family were thinking.
Augustus Wilson, Victim's Father
This guy is going to get locked up. You know? No doubt about it because one main fact is he took the law into his own hands and that's wrong.
Prosecutor Jalal Harb, disappointed by the outcome, says he understands why this case was polarizing.
Jalal Harb, Prosecutor:
“People believe how dare you, How can you come and point a gun to my head and take my property?”
After the verdict, dozens stopped by Sumos Thai restaurant to offer support and congratulate Storer. The small impromptu gathering took place on the very sidewalk where Storer was robbed in October, 2003, beginning his three year legal nightmare.