Deadly Merritt Island Shooting At Walmart In June Determined To Be Self-Defense, Legally Justified: Prosecutors
By Space Coast Daily // November 8, 2019
Shooting happened June 2, 2019
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – State prosecutors have announced that the deadly force used by 28-year-old Rashad Gibson when he shot and killed 27-year-old Shawn Robbins at the Merritt Island Walmart on June 2, 2019, was legally justified and amounted to self-defense.
The shooting happened about 8:30 p.m. just inside the entrance of Walmart, located on 1500 East Merritt Island Causeway, where Gibson worked as a manager.
The investigation revealed that both men were involved in a relationship with the same woman, and that Robbins had gone to the store to confront Gibson about it.
It was discovered that Robbins had previously made both verbal and text message threats to harm Gibson, and Gibson was aware Robbins was known to carry a firearm.
Documents say that is when Gibson armed himself with a firearm he brought to the store earlier that day.
Soon after, he was confronted by Robbins and fearing for his life, shot Robbins once.
Robbins was taken to Rockledge Regional Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators say Gibson remained at the scene and cooperated with them.
After a careful and thorough review of all the evidence gathered in the Brevard Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorneys Office investigations, an experienced team of prosecutors reached the decision that Gibson’s use of force was justified, as he believed his life was in imminent danger and acted in self-defense.
While the investigation found that Gibson did posses a concealed firearm without a valid concealed weapon permit, the facts and circumstances established he had a reasonable fear for his safety and as a necessity to protect himself, according to prosecutors.
Related Story:Arrests In Brevard County: November 7, 2019 – Suspects Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty
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