SelfDefense Archives

Upcoming Trials for Suspects in 2020 Riverchase Galleria Shooting in Hoover: Attorneys Claim Self-Defense

HOOVER, ALABAMA – Three suspects involved in the tragic 2020 shooting at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover are gearing up for their upcoming separate trials. The incident occurred in July 2020, resulting in the death of 8-year-old Royta Giles, Jr., alongside injuries to two adults and another child. Montez Coleman, King Williams, and Demetrius Jackson, Jr. face charges of capital murder of a person under the age of 14 and three counts of second-degree assault. …

Man Claims Self-Defense in Deadly Road Rage Case as Autopsy Photos Stir Emotions in Courtroom

Summit County, Ohio – New details emerged on Monday regarding a fatal road rage incident that resulted in the death of George Jensen. The accused, Dacerrei Kinard, claims self-defense in the case. According to Summit County medical examiner Dr. Robert Shott, Jensen died from a gunshot wound to his back. The tragic event took place last May on I-76 in Norton, where Kinard allegedly fired the fatal shot at Jensen during a confrontation. During the …

Man Accused of Strangling Wife Claims Self-Defense, Prosecutors Disagree

St. Charles, Missouri – The trial of Albert “AJ” Cassella, 40, has brought to light a tragic incident where he stands accused of murdering his wife, Amanda Pearson, at their home in rural Lincoln County. Cassella claims that her death was accidental, stating that he acted in self-defense after his wife allegedly pointed a gun at him. However, prosecutors argue that Cassella used his physical advantage to strangle Pearson intentionally. During opening statements, prosecutor Tamma …

Indigenous Women in Bolivia Empowered Through Taekwondo Self-Defense Training

El Alto, Bolivia – In a city known for its high rates of gender-based violence, Lidia Mayta found empowerment and resilience through the practice of taekwondo. After surviving a violent robbery attempt, Mayta made a vow to never feel helpless again. Three years later, she is now helping train other Indigenous women in Bolivia to defend themselves against the pervasive violence that plagues the country. Mayta’s journey led her to the Warmi Power taekwondo studio …

Friends insist Tampa man was murdered due to his sexual orientation, not self-defense

TAMPA, Fla. – The death of John Walter Lay, known as “Walt,” at West Dog Park on Feb. 2 has sparked controversy as his friends claim he was targeted because of his sexual orientation. Lay’s accused shooter, Gerald Declan Radford, has asserted self-defense as the reason behind the shooting, but Lay’s loved ones refute this claim, alleging that Lay was subjected to harassment and anti-gay slurs from Radford. Vicki Darlington, a close friend of Lay, …

Accused Shooter Claims Self-Defense, But Friends Say Victim Targeted for Being Gay

TAMPA, Fla. – A Tampa man, John Walter Lay, known as “Walt”, was fatally shot at West Dog Park on Feb. 2. The accused shooter, Gerald Declan Radford, claims self-defense, but Lay’s friends allege that he was targeted for being gay. Friends of Lay have been vocal about seeking justice, asserting that the attack was motivated by hate. Despite Radford’s self-defense claims, Lay’s loved ones remain convinced that he was deliberately singled out. In the …

Man Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Phoenix Alley Shooting

Phoenix, Arizona – A man in Phoenix claims self-defense in the shooting and killing of another man in an alley in a recent incident. According to court documents, 22-year-old Andrew Anthony Ormsby and 22-year-old Roy Orozco were walking down an alley near 27th Avenue and Campbell when an argument escalated between them on February 22. Ormsby allegedly stated that Orozco challenged his ability to carry a gun, leading to a confrontation where Orozco grabbed Ormsby’s …

Man Killed in Walmart Parking Lot Identified, Self-Defense Possible, Still No Charges Filed

GARNER, N.C. – A shooting incident at a Walmart in Garner, North Carolina, resulted in the death of a 29-year-old man on Tuesday. Colten Valdez was identified as the victim after being shot in the chest and later succumbing to his injuries at a hospital. Reports indicate that an argument between Valdez and another individual escalated to the point where a firearm was drawn. Although the second person was initially taken into custody for questioning, …

Harlem Man Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Stabbing of Great Uncle

NEW YORK, NY – A Harlem man is facing charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon after allegedly fatally stabbing his great uncle, but his attorney claims it was an act of self-defense. Nehemiah Terry-Peterson, 23, was arrested on Friday evening following the death of his 74-year-old great uncle, Simon Beverly. According to authorities, the incident took place in the home the family shared on West 151st Street, near Broadway in West Harlem. …

Prosecutor Declines to File Charges in Fatal Shooting of Stepson, Citing Self-Defense Claims

SUMMERFIELD, Fla. – Last month, a man shot and killed his stepson inside their Summerfield residence. The shooter, Richard McCloskey, claimed self-defense and has now been cleared of criminal charges by prosecutors. According to Assistant State Attorney Rich Buxman, there is insufficient evidence to disprove McCloskey’s claims of prior violence by his stepson, James Crawford. Buxman’s memo noted that McCloskey stated Crawford had threatened him prior to the shooting. The decision not to file charges …