The shooting of Everett Gant hasn't received a lot of press. It happened not far from where I live on the Florida Panhandle. He was shot in the head by Walt Butler, a white man that had a history of racist behavior in the neighborhood. I diaried about it when it happened last year. More on the flip side...
This case has been followed by even more unnecessary shootings perpetrated by paranoid fools that are pumped up full of venom like so many pit vipers. I have a very uneasy feeling that this case will end as did Trayvon Martin's case although without all the attention. Maybe we're just getting accustomed to it? I hope not. Anyhow, enough of my paranoid ramblings. The trial begins today and it would be nice if it got some attention, no?
Butler had used racial slurs against a child in the community, which spurred Gant to approach the defendant’s home, prosecutors said.
“This shooting meant no more to Butler than shooting a dog,” Sombathy said.
Deputy Public Defender Mark Sims focused his arguments on a man he described as feeling threatened and simply defended himself in his home.
According to the arresting affidavit by former Sheriff Joe Nugent, after shooting Gant, Butler closed the door, pulled his dinner out of the oven and sat down to eat.
Let's hope this guy doesn't get away with murder.
Update:
PORT ST. JOE —A Gulf County jury found Walt Butler guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm after deliberating a little more than an hour Thursday afternoon.
Butler was not convicted of the more serious hate crime enhancement, indicating the jury believed Butler did not target Everett Gant because of his race.
Butler faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 12.
http://www.newsherald.com/...
I am pleased they found him guilty although not sure how they don't call it a hate crime. The reason the victim had gone to his house was to confront him about his using racial slurs directed at children in the neighborhood. After he shot the victim and the Sheriff arrived he again used racial slurs. Again, I'm pleased they found him guilty of something so I'm not going to try and dissect it any further. The loons out there don't need anymore fuel on the fire.