Earlier this month, Michael Dunn was found guilty of first degree murder of Jordan Davis, the unarmed 17 year old he shot and killed after his refusal to lower his music at Dunn’s request the night of November 23, 2012. Following the incident, Dunn was then convicted on three counts of second degree murder for shooting at the vehicle occupied by Davis and three other teens at a local Jacksonville, FL gas station.
After a mistrial last year, a jury found Dunn guilty of attempted murder, giving him a 90 year sentence with an additional 15 years for firing at the vehicle. In total, Dunn will serve 105 years in prison. Following his sentencing Dunn released this official statement to the Davis family, “I want the Davis family to know I truly regret what happened, I’m sorry for their loss. If I could roll back time and do things differently, I would. ‘I was in fear for my life and I did what I thought I had to do. Still, I am mortified I took a life, whether it was justified or not.”
The teen’s parents also spoke in court, expressing their forgiveness of Dunn’s actions. According to Jordan’s mom, Lucia McBath, “It was easy for me to forgive him because I believe he is very very misguided.”
Although more progress needs to be made, the verdict serves as an example that the judicial system does work, following a number of tragic shootings of unarmed young black men by white officers and civilians.
Sweethearts, does Dunn’s conviction and sentencing provide some relief concerning the “war” against black men? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Written By: Jazmine Abner
(Photos: AP/News 4)
