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The man who fatally shot a father over a parking space in Florida — leading to renewed scrutiny over the state’s “stand your ground” law — was arrested Monday and charged with manslaughter, state prosecutors said.
The State Attorney’s Office announced a warrant had been issued for Michael Drejka, 47, in the death of Markeis McGlockton, 28, on July 19. Drejka was booked into the Pinellas County Jail with a bond issued at $100,000.
“I support the State Attorney’s decision and will have no further comment as the case continues to work its way through the criminal justice system,” Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a statement.
He was criticized by the family of McGlockton for initially deciding not to charge Drejka, instead saying he had a right to claim self-defense. Gualtieri also initially said that a surveillance video from the Clearwater convenience store parking lot where the incident took place appeared to show Drejka protecting himself against McGlockton.
Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the McGlocktons, said last month that the video showed the opposite, and it was Drejka who was the aggressor.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.