A Florida man accused of a hate crime for killing a gay man is asking a judge to dismiss the charges, saying he acted in self-defense

Summary

Gerald Radford, accused of killing John “Walt” Lay in a hate crime, claims self-defense under Florida’s stand-your-ground law.

Prosecutors dispute Radford’s story, citing witness testimony of months of harassment, homophobic slurs, and a threatening video Lay shared.

The judge will rule on the stand-your-ground motion next week.

    • Flying Squid
      6•3 days ago

      It has to do with a bigoted Florida judge (a common thing) deciding that killing a queer person is justified and finding the ‘stand your ground’ argument acceptable because of it. I’m not sure why this has to be spelled out for you.

      • @[email protected]
        1•2 days ago

        Ok. I’ll bite. What evidence can you provide that it’s common for Florida judges to be bigoted?

          • @[email protected]
            1•18 hours ago

            Your first link doesn’t even mention Florida (unless I missed it). It simply states other judges that have been appointed by Trump. You created the scope of the conversation by stating it is common for Florida judges to be “bigoted”. I’m seeking examples of said bigotry.

            Your second link simply states Florida judges, who are required to take 30 hours of classes, are no longer required to take any classes regarding “fairness and diversity”. That is certainly not evidence of bogtry.

            Look man, you are the one you made a statement: Florida judges are commonly bigoted. Your links don’t prove anything of the sort. I’m talking about them handing down verdicts that are objectively bigoted towards the person who is on the receiving end of that verdict. And I’m not taking about one or two cases. You said “common” which means this happens on a routine basis. Either you have the evidence or you don’t.

            • Flying Squid
              1•18 hours ago

              Okay, you go ahead and believe Southern judges aren’t bigoted. Enjoy your privilege.

              • @[email protected]
                1•18 hours ago

                Be an adult and admit you can’t prove your case. This platform is severely lacking in mental maturity. You would be doing me a genuine favor. I’m not kidding.

                At the very least, I encourage you to not make claims you can’t back up. I’m not being a jerk. I’m trying to help you.

                • Flying Squid
                  1•17 hours ago

                  Insulting me doesn’t make the South a less extremely racist place.

                  Again, enjoy your privilege.

                  • @[email protected]
                    1•16 hours ago

                    I never insulted you. Though it speaks to your emotional and mental maturity that you took it that way. Stop playing the role of the victim.

                    There is racism literally everywhere. Also, don’t move the goal post. Our conversation had a very specific scope that you created. Either argue within those confines or move along.

                    Furthermore, take that privilege shit down the road. It’s lazy, tired, and trite.

        • Flying Squid
          5•3 days ago

          No one else seems to be confused by the concept of queerphobic Florida judges.

            • Flying Squid
              5•3 days ago

              Nope. I told you “why’s that.” Because Florida judges are bigots. You just seem to not care for that. Maybe you think this man’s stand your ground argument is justified?

              Edit: also, since when has three been “quite a few?”