https://www.theledger.com/news/2020...plies-in-florida-mans-case-in-deputy-shooting
Citing the "Stand Your Ground" law, the 5th District Court of Appeal dismissed the longstanding charges against a Port St. John man accused of shooting Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy John "Casey" Smith during a botched arrest in front of his home in 2015.
The decision — issued Wednesday — ends the prosecution of John DeRossett, 60, on the attempted premeditated first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer while discharging a firearm. DeRossett spent nearly five years at the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes as he awaited a trial. He was allowed to leave on bond in March.
"The appellate decision is better than a jury acquittal. An acquittal only means ‘not guilty.’ This order means that John is innocent, that his actions were justified, and that he never should have been arrested in the first place. It’s a total vindication," said DeRossett’s Orlando-based attorney, Michael Panella.
Citing the "Stand Your Ground" law, the 5th District Court of Appeal dismissed the longstanding charges against a Port St. John man accused of shooting Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy John "Casey" Smith during a botched arrest in front of his home in 2015.
The decision — issued Wednesday — ends the prosecution of John DeRossett, 60, on the attempted premeditated first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer while discharging a firearm. DeRossett spent nearly five years at the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes as he awaited a trial. He was allowed to leave on bond in March.
"The appellate decision is better than a jury acquittal. An acquittal only means ‘not guilty.’ This order means that John is innocent, that his actions were justified, and that he never should have been arrested in the first place. It’s a total vindication," said DeRossett’s Orlando-based attorney, Michael Panella.