Rouer said the couple stopped at the Gate after the wedding to get a bottle of wine and a bag of chips. The next morning Rouer saw a report about the shooting on the news indicating that Jordan Davis had died. Dunn is accused of killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis after an argument over loud music at a Gate gas station on the Southside on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in 2012. ", "Jury Fails to Reach Verdict on Murder Charge in Michael DunnTrail", "Florida Man's Fiance Contradicts Parts of his Testimony in Killing of Teenager", "Song played in Jordan Davis shooting revealed", "Friends describe moments before Jordan Davis died", "Michael Dunn 'Loud Music' Verdict: Mistrial For First-Degree Murder Charge Causes Outrage", "Michael Dunn testifies; fiancee says he never told her about gun; closings Wednesday", "Michael Dunn's girlfriend: 'I heard pop, pop, pop'. He discusses how he wants to find a slimy civil law lawyer and sue the county for reverse discrimination. Those friends, Leland Brunson, Tommie Stornes and Tevin Thompson, all testified Friday that Davis cursed at Dunn when he asked them to turn the music down, but didn't threaten him. Dunn doubts he would have even been arrested in any other County, discusses his plans to sue the pants off of the State once trial is over. The prosecutor, John Guy, expressing incredulity during his cross-examination, also picked apart Mr. Dunns testimony. Action News Jax facebook feed(Opens a new window), Action News Jax twitter feed(Opens a new window), Action News Jax youtube feed(Opens a new window), Related: Folio Weekly article leads to dismissal of juror in Michael Dunn retrial, Related:Former fiancee of Michael Dunn takes stand, live gavel-to-gavel coverage on ActionNewsJax.com, For Action News on the go, sign up for Action News Mobile & Email alerts, Florida Senator proposes bill to cancel Democratic Party in state, Bartram Trail High School girls lacrosse player denied NIL opportunity, FHP: Man dies after FDOT Road Ranger rear-ends truck, pushes him over edge of Buckman Bridge, PCSO: No charges in case of mail carrier mauled by 5 dogs, Its a monumental win: Newly approved legislation increases required age to work in strip clubs. It's possible Dunn could take the stand in his own defense. Defense lawyers pressed Musser about his failure to search the adjacent parking lot at the Gate the night of the shooting, and also asked him why the interviews with Davis' three friends the night of the shooting weren't videotaped. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. At times teary, his feet shackled, Michael Dunn, the man accused of fatally shooting a black teenager in November 2012 during an argument over loud music, took the witness. The murder was one of the primary inspirations for the award-winning young adult novel Dear Martin, by Nic Stone. She looked outside and saw Dunn leaning out of his window. In most of the calls, Dunn speaks with his fiance, Rhonda Rouer, who was in the Gate convenience store when Dunn fired 10 shots at the SUV carrying Davis and three other teenagers. The deputy said he armed himself with an AR-15 rifle and his sidearm to make the arrest, saying it part of the department's tactics when there is a "high-risk" arrest warrant involved. Police presence at Arlington Manor area complex after reported shooting, Police: One person detained in College Park area, Local Weather: Day 9 of 80-plus degree afternoons; much-needed rain by late Friday into Saturday, Viewing Venus under a telescope in our night sky. In the morning, Rouer saw a news report about a shooting at a Jacksonville gas station, in which a 17-year-old had been killed, and rather than call police, the couple packed their bags and drove. There are only 25 here, but wrote many more. Dunn was arrested the day after the shooting. Dunn says it was. He faces 60 years in prison for the attempted murder convictions and will get life if he's convicted of killing Davis. Rouer told police Dunn said "I hate that thug music," when the couple pulled up next to the SUV holding Davis. He said she probably will get offers from Hollywood from testifying. Check here, Be the first one to comment on this story. Dunn and Rouer left the wedding early in order to return to their hotel and take care of their six-month-old puppy. Attorneys spar in loud music murder trial", "Michael Dunn Verdict: Florida Man Found Guilty Of Attempted Murder In Loud-Music Trial", "Teens testify shooter Dunn said "Are you talking to me? British director Marc Silvers tautly edited film, which won a special jury award at Sundance in 2015, was picked up by HBO and aired later that year. In this letter, he essentially blames his ex-wife for not studying English harder, tries to give fatherly advice while admitting to being a pretty bad one. "[42] He said he wanted to confront Dunn in jail about his son's murder. The day in court began with Mr. Dunns unalloyed version of events. At that point, he said, his mind was on his fiance, Rhonda Rouer, who was about to walk out of the convenience store. Dunn's insurance company, Progressive Select Insurance, challenged its duty to cover the lawsuit, but dismissed its lawsuit in conjunction with the settlement. and his crew gained permission to film inside the Jacksonville court house, as long as they did not film the jury. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The state called two more witnesses in the Michael Dunn retrialand rested its case Monday afternoon. The shooting, which unfolded in this northern Florida city, has drawn attention once again to the states expansive self-defense laws that allow people who say they feel threatened to use lethal force to protect themselves. His fiance, Rhonda Rouer, says the last thing she heard him say was, "I hate that thug music." Rouer was in the convenience store when she heard gunshots, and when she ran outside, he told. Tears streamed down Rhonda Rouers face and her voice shook as she recounted before jurors for a second time the day Michael Dunn shot a Jacksonville teen. Moments later, Rouer told jurors, I heard pop, pop, pop.. She revealed in a video with her husband Travis Browne, how she got injured: "I did break my pinkie knuckle. On Saturday Rouer appeared more composed, but she still fought back tears repeatedly while admitting that when Dunn was arrested she thought police were also going to lock her up. Black thug. He also asked his daughter to ask her mom to contact him as a neighbor had told someone Dunn choked her. "I'm not really sure what the investigators are thinking, but I told them what was up,". The cases were settled for an undisclosed amount in January 2014. We look at the testimony of Rhonda Rouer, Michael Dunn's fiancee, in his trial for the murder of Jordan Davis, and how it damaged his self-defense argument. At gunpoint? He wants this person to make comments on social media on his behalf. She is a key witness in her boyfriends Michael Dunn- murder trial. Before Rouer took the stand, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office detective Marc Musser testified. Also Read: WWE News: Ronda Rousey reveals why UFC match was bigger than WrestleMania, Booker T just voted in the Sportskeeda Wrestling Awards. Before jurors were brought back into the courtroom after the lunch break, the defense presented diagrams showing the Durango parked next to Dunn's vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta. In the letter addressed to "Baby," Dunn goes on to tell her "I cannot recall if I ever conveyed the details of my decision making to you. The deputy and two others went to Dunn's home to arrest him. Siniscal said he asked Dunn to come out of his home shirtless and with his hands up. Stornes left his red Dodge Durango SUV running while he went into the store. Dunn letter from prison to his girlfriend. The next morning Rouer found out that Davis was dead after turning on the television news and insisted they return to their home in Satellite Beach. He's been with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for about 10 years, a homicide detective for five. We represent the family of Jordan Davis and these letters were made public as evidence in the criminal case. Let me assure you, just as I told detectives who first interviewed me in Melbourne, and later Mitch Stone- there was a weapon.". As his head clears the window frame, he says, This is going down, Mr. Dunn said, quoting Mr. Davis and using an expletive in the quote. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Here is what he says happened after he asked the teenagers in the SUV to turn down their music. Kuritz says despite the way the letter sounds this does not appear to be witness tampering, it simply sounds like Dunn's version of events. Musser also said he never went back to the Gate station to get video recordings of that night to determine if the witnesses gathered inside, including the three friends, were talking. [27] Dunn's attorney subsequently requested that sentencing on the four counts of which Dunn already had been convicted be delayed until after Dunn's retrial. Rhonda laughed a bit before grabbing her boyfriend's hand as they continued to walk together. He made a misogynistic joke about now having a judge with balls and compares his case to Zimmermans. Rousey herself does not know if she will return to the WWE. During the previous trial, the Times-Union was among several media agencies to challenge Healey for the release of public records including several jailhouse calls made by Dunn. Dunn addresses Rhondas testimony and coaches her a little and also encourages her to take a Valium if she gets nervous. He makes a joke to his grandmother about women being interested in his fiance, and then told his grandmother he could fall into a pile of shit and step out smelling like a rose. About the case, he discusses the misinformation and outright lies being reported by the media. Despite saying he doesnt use the word thug, on page 6 he uses it to his own grandmother and specifically calls the surviving boys, thugs.. The couple drove back to their hotel, ordered a pizza and Dunn made them some alcoholic drinks. "[24][25], In closing arguments at the first trial, the defense lawyer for Dunn cited the language of Florida's stand-your-ground law. A hapless witness, she herself dodged. When questioned Saturday, Rouer said they were no longer engaged or in a relationship. He said his family engaged in a letter writing campaign to Congress and Governor Scott over the local corruption surrounding his arrest ad detainment. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Strong emotions, tears and a bombshell revelation from the former fiancee of Michael Dunn Saturday afternoon followed a dramatic morning session that saw the judge dismiss a juror and give strong words to the crew in charge of the courtroom camera. Juror #4, previously known as Juror #32 is a white, married man with a 10-year-old child. The murder trial of the Brevard County man accused of killing a teenager over loud music continues in Jacksonville on Monday. The three teenagers in the Dodge Durango with Jordan at the time of the shooting testified Friday. Zimmermans acquittal happened in the summer of 2013, between Dunns first trial, which ended in a partial verdict,and his second trial in the fall, when the jury convicted him of first degree murder. Daviss parents, Ron Davis and Lucia McBath, were also visibly emotional in the audience. During Simons' testimony, several photos Davis' body were shown to the jury. As for WWE plans in the future, we want to have a baby first. "He's clearly reiterating there was a weapon there, there was a weapon there.". [16] Dunn returned to his home in Satellite Beach the following day at 10:30a.m., where he was arrested after an eyewitness reported his license plate to police. While Rouer was inside the store, Dunn asked the people in the Durango to turn down the music. Michael Dunn Trial: Phillip Miranda testifies. The jail calls between accused "loud music" killer Michael Dunn and his girlfriend, Rhonda Rouer, have been released. The Armor of Light premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2015 before opening theatrically on October 30, 2015. When Rouer got in the vehicle, she testified, she saw Dunn put a gun back in the glovebox. According to online records, the couple wedded May 22, 1989 in Indian River, Florida. Anyone can read what you share. The documentary, directed by Marc Silver, explores the shooting, the trial, and Florida's Stand Your Ground laws. Former WWE RAW Women's champion and UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey, has not been on WWE television since her loss at WrestleMania 35 to Becky Lynch, who went home with both the RAW and SmackDown women's titles. Pin. He talks about a civil suit against the State and others, although he was finally talked out of suing Jordans family. I did it in my panicked state, he said, of the later volleys. [9][12] The front seat passenger, Tevin Thompson, initially complied and turned the volume down, but Jordan Davis requested the volume be turned back up. The former medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Mr. Davis also testified Monday that it was unlikely Mr. Davis was standing when he was shot. The parking lot and the trash bins were searched four days later after they learned Dunn was claiming self-defense, Musser said. His threats and actions left no doubt in my mind that it was firearm. Rouer may return again. 2023 Cox Media Group. Rhonda testified when she turned around she saw Dunn outside the vehicle, and she then exited the store. China's Xi heralds 'unbreakable' friendship with Belarus, an ally of Russia, Nissan recalls over 800K SUVs because a key defect can cut off the engine, Chicago voters resoundingly rejected Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection bid, China is buying more U.S. farmland, and some say that's a national security threat, Chinese officials monitor House panel hearing on U.S. economic competition with China, Sequential hurricanes are becoming more common because of climate changes. Dunn and his fiancee, Rhonda Rouer, then drove to their motel, ordered a pizza and stayed the night without contacting police. [51] The murder is believed to have inspired activism of the Black Lives Matter movement. It was also previously reported it was Rhonda who begged her boyfriend to leave the scene in spite of his desire to call the police, so there is something not adding up here. He said he did not call the police right away because Ms. Rouer wanted to go home instead. Your address will never be shared with any other party. [57], Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 01:33, First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida, "Dunn jury hears from former fiancee, juror dismissed", "Michael Dunn, Jordan Davis, and America's Racist Heritage", "Black Teen's Shooter Rants About Killing 'Thugs' So They 'May Take the Hint and Change Their Behavior', https://efactssc-public.flcourts.org/casedocuments/2019/2063/2019-2063_notice_88213_notice2ddiscretionary20juris2028direct20conflict29.pdf, "Did Jordan Davis have weapon? They drove back, and Dunn was arrested later that day. Dunns attorneys contend 17-year-old Davis was the aggressor, saying the teenagers had a gun in the SUV that night in 2012 at a Southside gas station, but a gun was never recovered from the scene. Dramatic Testimony in Florida Stand Your Ground Trial Michael Dunn's fiance Rhonda Rouer takes the stand as a witness for the prosecution. Dunn was found guilty on October 1, 2014, at the conclusion of the retrial. Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Russell Healey ultimately did not allow the diagrams to be used, but said he would allow the testimony from the expert witness.Just after 2 p.m., forensic consultant Michael Knox took the stand as the first witness for the defense. Please logout and login again. "It clearly appears that Mr. Dunn is trying to refresh the recollection of his girlfriend or simply trying to tell her what she needs to say," said Kuritz. [8] Rouer left their car to purchase white wine and chips. The Berrys and Thompson said Dunn was a nice, calm person. The trial is expected to be turned over to the jury on Wednesday after closing statements. Once parked, Rouer said Dunn told her I hate that thug music. Rouer went into the store to purchase the items and shortly after the gunshots rang out. Nobody did fire back, did they? Mr. Jurors heard from six other witnesses throughout the day, including two officers from the Brevard County Sheriffs Office who responded after Dunn was contacted by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and contacted a neighbor in law enforcement the following morning. Guy asked Mr. Dunn. Live Video: Michael Dunn Trial Coverage Mr. Dunn, 47, is charged in the first-degree murder of Mr. Davis and three counts of attempted murder, one for each of the other teenagers who were in the red sport utility vehicle that Mr. Dunn shot at. . Rouer said after she woke up the next morning she saw a news report about a teen getting killed at a gas station. The state called 27 witnesses in the trial, including the young men in the SUV with Jordan Davis and Dunn's then-fiance Rhonda Rouer, who was also there. Brevard man charged in homicide: Another stand your ground showdown? [36], Following the trial, Dunn's attorney filed for appeal with the First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida. She also wasnt questioned this time around about whether Dunn ever mentioned to her that he thought Davis had a gun. The next morning, after the couple saw news reports that someone had died at the gas station, Mr. Dunn said he called a neighbor, a federal law enforcement official, and told him he had to discuss something with him when he got home. She is a key witness in her boyfriend's -Michael Dunn- murder trial. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); WWE News: Ronda Rousey reveals why UFC match was bigger than WrestleMania. Dunn says it was self-defense. Dunn recounts a new version of the facts where he now as added a threat, this shit is going down now to be circulated to his family and asks his brother to include that. [38], On June 22, 2020, the Florida Supreme Court rejected Dunn's appeal and refused to take the case. Dunn has claimed Davis threatened him with a gun, and he fired to defend himself. However, unlike the prior trial, Rouer is no longer with Dunn. Dunn, driving a black Volkswagen Jetta sedan, and his fiance Rhonda Rouer pulled into the right adjacent parking spot. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Letters exchanged between accused killer, Michael Dunn and his girlfriend could be problematic for his defense. It would be the last good memory Rouer and Michael Dunn would have together. This, according to Rhonda Rouer's testimony, is what her fiance, Michael Dunn, said when they pulled into a Jacksonville gas station next to an SUV full of black kids who had the stereo up high . Davis, who was sitting in the right rear passenger seat, then told his friend to turn the music back up and cursed at Dunn. But no weapon was found at the scene and Rouer said the Durango had already fled when she looked outside. 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