Mediaboss Marketing

Who is protected by the Stand Your Ground law in the event of a shooting? WAAY 31 searched for answers on the heels of a deadly shooting Tuesday in Morgan County.

When you typically hear about the law coming into play, it usually involves two people. Those two people are usually the shooter and the victim.

But lawyers told WAAY 31 it could include a third party under the right circumstances.

Attorney Mark McDaniel said, according to Alabama law, if you choose to defend someone using deadly force, then you are only justified if that person is in grave danger.

"The word is reasonable," McDaniel said. "If you reasonably believe the other person is using or about to use unlawful, deadly force against you or a third person in your presence."

And if that isn't the case, then McDaniel said the shooter could end up in legal trouble and face serious charges.

"If somebody pulls a gun out and then somebody else pulls a gun out," McDaniel said. "Then the third person walks in and shoots the second person who pulled the gun out, then that's going to be called manslaughter."

Decatur Police told WAAY 31 several employees were at Eagle One during the altercation, but authorities couldn't say who actually witnessed the shooting besides the three people involved. However, officers did say the argument started inside of the business and led outside near the back of the building where Cazier was shot and killed.

Police could not confirm whether the shooter saw the altercation from beginning, but authorities did tell me they are continuing to gather evidence for a grand jury to decide the shooter's fate.

"And, the grand jury will certainly consider everything," McDaniel said.

So far, no charges have been filed against the shooter or the other employee involved. Decatur Police said once they complete the investigation, then it will take up to 90 days for a grand jury to look at the case and decide if the Stand Your Ground law applies.

See the article here:
How the 'Stand Your Ground" law could apply to a third party? - WAAY