SelfDefense Archives

Tampa Man Claims Self-Defense in Contentious Stand Your Ground Case After Fatal Dog Park Shooting

TAMPA, Fla. — In a tense courtroom scene, Gerald Declan Radford, 66, defended himself against allegations that he committed a hate crime, giving a dramatic recount of events that led to the shooting of John Walter Lay at a local dog park earlier this year. The case, which hinges on whether Radford will be granted immunity under Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law, has captured local attention. During his testimony, Radford attempted to dispel claims …

White Supremacist Pleads Not Guilty to Murder in Montana Tent Killing, Claims Self-Defense Amid Conflicting Evidence

BOZEMAN, Mont. — In a case initially mistaken for a wild animal attack, a Montana man with ties to white supremacist groups has staunchly maintained his innocence against accusations of deliberate homicide, asserting that self-defense led to a deadly altercation in a remote camping area. Daren Christopher Abbey, 41, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court before Judge Peter Ohman this week, spotlighting a complex narrative of survival and violence. Abbey’s legal defense …

New Twist in Wasatch County Road Rage Case: Police Investigate Self-Defense After Recovering Weapon

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — A tragic incident stemming from an episode of road rage two months ago has led to new developments, as local investigators have uncovered evidence that could reshape the narrative surrounding the fatal encounter. Late Tuesday, authorities from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office disclosed findings from the ongoing investigation into the death of Patrick Hayes, who was fatally shot on September 25 near Jordanelle State Park. According to the sheriff’s office, the …

Columbus Teen Fatally Shot, Alleged Shooter Claims Self-Defense; Police Seek Witnesses

Columbus, Ohio — Authorities in Columbus reported the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old male on the city’s south side this past Friday, triggering a police investigation into the circumstances of his death. The shooting occurred on the 2900 block of Southfield Drive just after 1 p.m., where responding officers found the teenager with life-threatening injuries. The victim, identified as Raheem Dawkins, was quickly transported to Grant Medical Center. Despite rapid medical intervention, Dawkins succumbed to …

Self-Defense Instructor Mysteriously Murdered on SR 410, Family Seeks Answers

ENUMCLAW, Wash. — In a chilling turn of events, the lifeless body of Hans Hansen, 52, was discovered along State Route 410 near Enumclaw on Halloween. Recognized by his sons as a formidable self-defense expert and a resilient outdoorsman, Hansen’s death has left his family grappling with numerous unanswered questions about the dreadful incident. Jack and Luke Hansen, who traveled from Pennsylvania to Washington upon receiving news of their father’s tragic end, are dumbfounded that …

St. Augustine High School Expels Eight Students Following Violent Altercation; Student Claims Self-Defense in Public Hearing

St. Augustine, Fla.— A chaotic incident at St. Augustine High School led the St. Johns County school board to expel eight students, highlighting ongoing issues with student safety and behavior management in schools. The incident, which occurred on September 25, escalated into a violent confrontation at the school’s bus loop, drawing significant law enforcement and administrative response. According to school officials, the melee involved several students and was marked by its swift escalation from verbal …

Hammond Woman Charged with Murder Following Fatal Stabbing of Boyfriend; Claims Self-Defense in Domestic Dispute

Hammond, IN — A tragic incident left a community in mourning as a Hammond woman was charged with the murder of her boyfriend earlier this year, according to court documents recently made public. Stacy M. Smith, 47, faces a murder charge following the death of 53-year-old Tommy Washington III. The alleged homicide, which occurred on March 24, was brought to light after police were called to a residence on the 2300 block of 169th Street …

Teen Admits to Fatal Stabbing During Family Reunion, Claims Self-Defense in Emotional Testimony

PHOENIX — In a dramatic courtroom scene in Phoenix, Ares Adle, on trial for first-degree murder, offered a personal testimony about the events leading to his aunt’s death in 2019. At just 14 years of age at the time of the incident, Adle recounted a chilling narrative from the witness stand, making a rare court appearance by a defendant during such trials. The case centers around the fatal stabbing of Tonya Harper, which occurred during …

Tehran Vows Self-Defense in Response to IDF Strikes, Reports Two Iranian Soldiers Dead

Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities have declared that the nation has an imperative duty to defend its territory following recent confrontations that reportedly led to the death of two Iranian soldiers in strikes attributed to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The skirmish adds another layer of tension to the already strained relations between Iran and Israel, which have been exacerbated by their conflicting regional interests and military engagements in Syria. The Iranian military’s commitment to …

Bengaluru Tragedy: Man Claims Self-Defense in Chilling Note After Dismembering Partner

Bengaluru, India — A shocking murder case has emerged from Bengaluru where a man allegedly killed his partner, dismembered her body into multiple pieces, and stored them in a refrigerator before subsequently taking his own life. The gruesome discovery of Mahalakshmi’s remains came after neighbors reported a foul smell emanating from her apartment, leading police to uncover her body segmented into 59 pieces on September 21. Police investigations suggest that the accused, Muktiranjan Pratap Ray, …