Face to Face in Court
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Michael Dunn pleaded not guilty just moments ago to the first-degree murder charge against him.
The courtroom was silent as Michael Dunn entered. It marked the first time Jordan Davis' parents saw his accused killer in person.
"A lot of emotions seeing him," said Jordan's father, Ron Davis. "Jordan was inside of me and Jordan was just taking over what I was feeling."
Dunn is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis. He was arrested in November after Davis was shot and killed at a southside gas station during an argument over loud music.
According to police, Dunn said he felt threatened when he claimed the teens showed a shotgun out the window. An instant later, Dunn fired a gun at the SUV full of teenagers.
"If the facts fit the law, if they do and I'm going to research it, and that's a viable defense an ethical defense, then I'm going to vigorously pursue that on behalf of Michael Dunn," said his new defense attorney, Cory Strolla.
Strolla says Dunn's character will prove his innocence to a jury. "Michael Dunn has character, has credibility, he's a law abiding citizen, he's never been involved in an action like this in his life," he said.
And although they came face to face with Jordan's alleged killer, Davis' mother and father say they left court today with this message of peace
"If you do not stand for change, if you do not stand for people who don't have a voice then this is going to continue," said Jordan's mother, Lucia McBath.
Michael Dunn's pre-trial is set for Feb 6.
Prosecutors say they will not go after the death penalty.
No Death Penalty
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The man accused of killing a local teen over loud music pleaded not guilty in court this morning.
Michael Dunn is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis.
Dunn was arrested last month after Davis was shot and killed at a Southside gas station. According to police, Dunn said he felt threatened when he fired a gun at the SUV full of teenagers. Witnesses say the confrontation started over the teen's loud music.
Dunn is also charged with three counts of attempted murder for firing shots into the SUV and one count of shooting or throwing a deadly missile. The man from Brevard County pleaded not guilty to all five counts he's facing.
He will be in court on February 6 for a pre-trial hearing.
Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty.
