GUILTY FL - Markeis McGlockton, killed following parking dispute, Clearwater, 19 July 2018

[SeesSeas]

Drejka lawyers want prosecutors to be disqualified
Published: 7:36 PM EDT June 20, 2019
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Michael Drejka's defense is calling for the prosecutor in the case to be dismissed and a special prosecutor to be appointed.
[...]
In the motion, Trevena said Drejka had decided to stand up for people with disabilities on July 19, 2018, when he confronted Brittany Jacobs, who was parked in a space reserved for drivers with disabilities.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is famous for stating, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,'" the motion said.

It describes McGlocton as a 6"1', 225-pound, 28-year-old burly man, with a high level of drugs (MDMA) in his system."
[...]

 

[Hraefn]

Drejka lawyers want prosecutors to be disqualified
Published: 7:36 PM EDT June 20, 2019
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Michael Drejka's defense is calling for the prosecutor in the case to be dismissed and a special prosecutor to be appointed.
[...]
In the motion, Trevena said Drejka had decided to stand up for people with disabilities on July 19, 2018, when he confronted Brittany Jacobs, who was parked in a space reserved for drivers with disabilities.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is famous for stating, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,'" the motion said.

It describes McGlocton as a 6"1', 225-pound, 28-year-old burly man, with a high level of drugs (MDMA) in his system."
[...]

The defense SERIOUSLY quoted MLK in their motion?! I am flabbergasted. At least we know any ineffective assistance of counsel challenge by the defense will be denied...

Not to mention, Drejka's lawyer Trevana: ""They're trying to make it about a parking space when it has nothing to do with a parking space," Trevena said. "It's about a man getting shoved to the ground violently while next to the car."" Michael Drejka's stand-your-ground defense will go to a jury, not a judge
Then the same defense lawyer a few days later: "In the motion, Trevena said Drejka had decided to stand up for people with disabilities on July 19, 2018, when he confronted Brittany Jacobs, who was parked in a space reserved for drivers with disabilities." Drejka lawyers want prosecutors to be disqualified

WHICH IS IT?!
JMO IMO

 

[SeesSeas]

More bizarre drama. . .
Drejka attorney's ex-wife breaks into Largo law firm, police say
June 24, 2019
LARGO — An attorney for Clearwater parking lot shooter Michael Drejka is the victim of theft at the hands of his ex-wife and her boyfriend, according to police.

John Trevena confirmed Monday that Meredith Lynn Recio and Colton Lumpkin broke into his law firm in a plaza at 801 W Bay Drive in Largo. The pair stole and forged a check from the firm about 4:20 a.m. June 8, a Saturday, then cashed it at a Fifth Third Bank branch for $8,500, according to Largo police. Trevena also told police they stole a .44-caliber Magnum revolver loaded with hollow-point bullets.

Recio, 34, was married to Trevena, 57, until their divorce was finalized in March, according to court records. The longtime criminal defense attorney emphasized that no client information was compromised in the burglary and said he upgraded the firm's lock system. He said Recio and Lumpkin got into the plaza using another tenant's code, then pried open a side door to enter his office.

His ex-wife doesn't have a key and has had no relationship with the firm since November, when the pair separated.
[...]

 

[SeesSeas]

Prosecutors who charged Michael Drejka push back against effort to disqualify them
June 25, 2019
Prosecutors pushed back Monday against a court filing in which Clearwater parking lot shooter Michael Drejka asked a judge to disqualify them from the case.

Pinellas-Pasco Assistant State Attorneys Fred Schaub and Scott Rosenwasser filed a court document calling the defense team's request for a special prosecutor misleading and without legal basis.

"Defendant's motion is, simply stated, grandstanding," they wrote, "and an attempt to place the defendant's inaccurate and self-serving version of events before the court and public without having to be cross-examined and tested for accuracy."
[...]
One of Drejka's lawyers, John Trevena, argued that the furor created a national spectacle and painted his client in an unfair light. Trevena said prosecutors were bowing to what the called the "Crump hype machine" when they charged Drejka.

"Mr. Trevena's personal opinion is self-serving, purely speculative and completely devoid of any factual basis," prosecutors wrote.
[...]

 

[alexwood]

Drejka lawyers want prosecutors to be disqualified
Published: 7:36 PM EDT June 20, 2019
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Michael Drejka's defense is calling for the prosecutor in the case to be dismissed and a special prosecutor to be appointed.
[...]
In the motion, Trevena said Drejka had decided to stand up for people with disabilities on July 19, 2018, when he confronted Brittany Jacobs, who was parked in a space reserved for drivers with disabilities.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is famous for stating, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,'" the motion said.

It describes McGlocton as a 6"1', 225-pound, 28-year-old burly man, with a high level of drugs (MDMA) in his system."
[...]

[BBM]
According to Drejka's Arrest Warrant, at 5'10" tall and 225 lbs., he's certainly no "Slim Jim." He was also armed, wearing a holster with his firearm at the ready. Unlike his victim.

Michael Drejka Arrest Warrant 081318

 

[YESorNO]

After alleged threat, Drejka requests bulletproof vest for court appearances (with clip)

Jul 11 2019

"LARGO, Fla. (FOX 13) - The confrontation between the man accused in a fatal shooting and the victim's father will now be front and center in a Pinellas courtroom.

Defendant Michael Drejka says he was acting in self-defense when he shot Markeis McGlockton in the parking lot of a Clearwater convenience store.

Outside the courthouse before hearing in June, McGlockton's father, Michael McGlockton made what Drejka interpreted to be a threat.

Sources say Michael McGlockton called Drejeka a "coward" and accused him of shooting "an innocent man."

The witness recalled McGlockton saying, "My face will be the last face you see."

Attorney Bryant Camareno said Drejka now feels his life may be in danger and is asking to be given a bulletproof vest to wear to court.

"To be threatened directly in court by Mr. McGlockton's father takes it to whole other level, so absolutely he’s under so much pressure right now. He's definitely concerned now. It’s more an overt threat," said Camareno about his client. ...

...Camareno said he is not worried about appeals. His team is focused on their client's defense and keeping him safe.
"They're telling him, 'there's going to be a bullet in your head one day,' so he's very nervous. He feels threatened and he doesn’t feel safe at all," said Camareno."

After alleged threat, Drejka requests bulletproof vest for court appearances

 

[SeesSeas]

One year after Markeis McGlockton shooting, activists plan vigil in his honor
July 17, 2019
CLEARWATER — A year to the day after Markeis McGlockton was killed, local activist groups will honor his memory with a vigil.

Bay Area Dream Defenders, Civil Liberty Law and Answer Suncoast organized the vigil, which is planned for 6:30 p.m. Friday at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 2751 Sunset Point Road. There will be multiple speakers and performers, and McGlockton’s art will be on display, said Ashley Green with the Dream Defenders.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and Allendale United Methodist Church are also involved in organizing, Green said.
[...]

 

[SeesSeas]

Five things to know on the one-year anniversary of the Clearwater parking lot shooting
Much has changed in the year since Michael Drejka fatally shot Markeis McGlockton. But one thing remains the same: Florida’s divisive stand your ground law
July 19, 2019
The afternoon of July 19, 2018, started out normally enough for the people at the Circle A Convenience Store near Clearwater.

One family pulled in to buy some snacks and drinks. The father ran inside with his son. The mother stayed in the car with the couple’s two other children.

But what happened next ― one, two, three, in quick succession ― has sent ripples across Pinellas County and beyond, sparking a debate about self-defense that continues a year later.

Another man at the store, Michael Drejka, 48, of Clearwater, approached the mother, Britany Jacobs, about why she had parked in a handicap spot without a placard.

Her boyfriend, Markeis McGlockton, caught wind of the argument while inside the store. He walked out, went up to Drejka and shoved him to the ground.

Drejka pulled out his gun and shot 28-year-old McGlockton in the chest, killing him. He told Pinellas sheriff’s deputies he was in fear of further attack.

Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri initially declined to arrest Drejka, citing Florida’s divisive stand-your-ground law. Prosecutors later charged Drejka with manslaughter.

The case has moved through the court system toward an Aug. 19 trial date. Here’s a recap of what has happened in the case during the past year.
[...]

 

[SeesSeas]

https://ccmspa.pinellascounty.org/PublicAccess/default.aspx
https://ccmspa.pinellascounty.org/PublicAccess/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=17999651
STATE OF FLORIDA vs. DREJKA, MICHAEL
Case No. 18-09851-CF

OTHER EVENTS AND HEARINGS
08/19/2019 TRIAL (8:30 AM) (Judicial Officers BULONE, JOSEPH A, BULONE, JOSEPH A)
08/02/2019 PRE-TRIAL (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officers BULONE, JOSEPH A, BULONE, JOSEPH A)
08/02/2019 MOTION (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officer BULONE, JOSEPH A)
*ALL PENDING MOTIONS*
08/02/2019 MOTION (2:00 PM) (Judicial Officer BULONE, JOSEPH A)
DEFENSE MOTN TO DISQUALIFY PROSECUTORS
07/12/2019 Reset by Court to 08/02/2019
08/01/2019 MOTION (10:00 AM) (Judicial Officer RONDOLINO, ANTHONY)
DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SERVICES OF A CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGIST / TOXICOLOGIST; AND J.A.C.'S OBJECTION.
07/24/2019 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION Doc # 120
07/24/2019 MOTION Doc # 121
FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER FOR SHERIFF BOB GUALTIERI AND SUPPORTING MEMORANDUM OF LAW

 

[SeesSeas]

Ex-lawyer of accused Clearwater parking lot shooter has law license stripped
Published: 10:49 AM EDT July 27, 2019
Updated: 10:49 AM EDT July 27, 2019
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida Supreme Court revoked the law license of Lysa Clifton, who is accused of soliciting alleged Clearwater parking lot shooter Michael Drejka while he was sitting in jail.

Clifton, 31, agreed to give up her license to practice law and her membership in the Florida Bar be nullified. The Bar accused her of "direct solicitation of a client in a high-profile criminal case" and failure to perform services. She, too, had pending criminal charges for driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license.
[...]

Clearwater parking lot shooter’s ex-attorney loses her law license.
July 26, 2019
The Florida Supreme Court has stripped the law license of an attorney who was accused of pitching her legal services to Clearwater parking lot shooter Michael Drejka while he was in the Pinellas County jail, the Florida Bar announced Friday.
[...]

SUPREME COURT DISCIPLINES 27 ATTORNEYS – The Florida Bar
Summaries of orders issued June 6 – July 18, 2019
Lysa Nichole Clifton, 4204 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, disciplinary revocation with leave to apply for readmission, effective 30 days from a June 27, court order. (Admitted to practice: 2012) Charges pending against Clifton included failure to perform services after being retained in one client matter; direct solicitation of a client in a high-profile criminal case; and pending criminal charges for driving under the influence in one matter and possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license in another matter. (Case No. SC19-781)

https://lsg.floridabar.org/dasset/D...C559A657E47FE6685258429000AA039/$FILE/_15.PDF

 

[SeesSeas]

Man gets 20 years for handicap parking space killing
Author: The Associated Press
Updated: 9:15 PM EDT August 1, 2019
HOUSTON — Prosecutors say a 71-year-old Texas man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing another man in a dispute over a handicap parking space.
[...]
The case has echoes of a 2018 Clearwater shooting that left one man dead after a dispute over a disabled parking spot outside a convenience store.

Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting Houston attorney over handicapped parking spot
Published: 10:37 AM CDT August 1, 2019
HOUSTON — A 71-year-old man who fatally shot a Houston attorney over a handicapped parking space has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

William Anthony Hall was sentenced Wednesday after being convicted of murdering 67-year-old James Garza on May 31, 2017.

That evening, Garza went to a post office in the 4000 block of Broadway to pick up his mail. He parked in a handicapped parking space but did not have a handicapped sticker.

Hall, who was licensed to carry, confronted him about parking in the handicapped spot. The two got into an argument and that’s when Hall shot Garza once in the chest.
[...]

 

[Hraefn]

Man gets 20 years for handicap parking space killing
Author: The Associated Press
Updated: 9:15 PM EDT August 1, 2019
HOUSTON — Prosecutors say a 71-year-old Texas man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing another man in a dispute over a handicap parking space.
[...]
The case has echoes of a 2018 Clearwater shooting that left one man dead after a dispute over a disabled parking spot outside a convenience store.

Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting Houston attorney over handicapped parking spot
Published: 10:37 AM CDT August 1, 2019
HOUSTON — A 71-year-old man who fatally shot a Houston attorney over a handicapped parking space has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

William Anthony Hall was sentenced Wednesday after being convicted of murdering 67-year-old James Garza on May 31, 2017.

That evening, Garza went to a post office in the 4000 block of Broadway to pick up his mail. He parked in a handicapped parking space but did not have a handicapped sticker.

Hall, who was licensed to carry, confronted him about parking in the handicapped spot. The two got into an argument and that’s when Hall shot Garza once in the chest.
[...]

I can't believe this is a thing people murder over. Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

 

[YESorNO]

Accused Clearwater convenience store shooter due in court for pretrial hearing

August 2, 2019

"...At 2 p.m. Friday, Drejka's lawyers are expected to argue taxpayers should pay for a toxicologist to testify on his behalf....

Drejka’s lawyers are now using the self-defense argument. His trial is scheduled to start Aug. 19."

Accused Clearwater convenience store shooter due in court for pretrial hearing

 

[SeesSeas]

Court TV
https://www.courttv.com/title/fl-v-drejka-fatal-parking-lot-dispute/

FL v. DREJKA: FATAL PARKING LOT DISPUTE

 

[SeesSeas]

State prevails on several fronts as trial of Clearwater parking lot shooter looms
August 2, 2019
LARGO — It was a good day in court for the state and a bad day for the defense of Clearwater parking lot shooter Michael Drejka.

Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone sided against the defense and with prosecutors on several motions during a lengthy pre-trial hearing held Friday to settle several issues weeks ahead of Drejka's manslaughter trial, scheduled to start Aug. 19.
[...]
Still to be decided is whether the jury will see certain versions of the surveillance video of the shooting, and the moments before and after. Bulone bumped that issue to an Aug. 9 hearing next week after Drejka's lawyers said they were still waiting on an expert witness to finish reviewing the videos.

Here's a rundown:

• Bulone denied a long-shot motion by the defense asking that prosecutors Fred Schaub and Scott Rosenwasser be disqualified from the case.
[...]

• The jury will not hear from the sheriff himself, either. Bulone granted two motions filed by the State Attorney’s Office and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office essentially asking the court to bar Gualtieri from testifying.
[...]
“We don't care what Sheriff Gualtieri thought then or what he thinks now,” Bulone said.

• The jury also will not learn of other facts and evidence that prosecutors sought to block.

Markeis McGlockton had marijuana in his pocket, but not in his system, at the time of the shooting. Bulone agreed with prosecutors that it's irrelevant. What will likely come up during trial because it showed up on his autopsy is that McGlockton had MDMA — the amphetamine commonly known as ecstasy — in his system.

McGlockton's criminal history is irrelevant as well, Bulone said, with an exception. If the defense can prove McGlockton had a reputation in the community for violence, that could come into play to show he was acting in line with that reputation when he shoved Drejka to the ground in the moments before the shooting. But, the judge said, establishing someone's reputation these days, especially in a county as populous as Pinellas, is going to be difficult.

The jury will also not learn that the lead sheriff's detective on the case was arrested on a driving under the influence charge and fired in January. During one of the tenser moments of the hearing, Trevena questioned whether ex-detective George Moffett was also intoxicated when he investigated the Drejka case.

If they could find evidence of that, the judge said he'd reconsider.

“This is ridiculous,” Rosenwasser interjected.

• The jury will not visit the scene of the shooting, the parking lot of the Circle A Food Store. The defense made the request so that jurors could better understand the change in gradient of the pavement and the height difference between the two men, said defense attorney William Flores.
[...]
• Responding to a request from the defense that jurors be interviewed individually, Bulone said that potential jurors will be questioned as a group, which is standard, but individual jurors may approach the bench if there are concerns that pre-trial publicity could taint the jury pool.
[...]

 

[YESorNO]

As Drejka trial looms, judge set to tie up loose ends in parking lot shooting case
Will Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri testify in the manslaughter trial? Will the judge throw the State Attorney’s Office off the case? Those and many other issues must be decided before the Aug. 19 trial.

August 2, 2019

"The judge presiding over the manslaughter case of Clearwater parking lot shooter Michael Drejka will decide Friday issues such as how potential jurors will be questioned and whether Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri will testify.

In what will likely be the last hearing before the case goes to trial, a number of motions are set to be decided by Pinellas-Pasco Judge Joseph Bulone. The trial, scheduled to start Aug. 19, is just weeks away.

Here's a rundown of what to expect:..."

As Drejka trial looms, judge set to tie up loose ends in parking lot shooting case

 

[SeesSeas]

Judge Denies Sheriff Testimony in Michael Drejka Case
PUBLISHED August 2, 2019 @8:30 PM
[...]
Bulone sided with prosecutors on most of the motions during the hearing. Including ruling prosecutors will remain on the case and there will not be a special prosecutor.

The judge also ruled that Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri will not testify at the trial later this month. The judge said the sheriff’s testimony would be his opinion. He said guilt or innocence is for a jury to decide.

There will be another hearing next Friday where the judge will decide what portions of the shooting video the jury will be allowed to see.

The trial for this case is set to begin August 19.

 

[YESorNO]

Judge: Prosecutors will stay on Drejka case (with clip)

Aug 02 2019

"LARGO, Fla. (FOX 13) - A motion to remove prosecutors from the Michael Drejka case was denied Friday, paving the way for the trial to proceed as scheduled Aug. 19.

Three motions were up for consideration during Friday's full day of hearings.

Judge Joseph Bulone denied the defense's motion to remove the prosecutor from the case...

Also on the agenda was a motion to compel Pinellas County Sheriff Gualtieri to testify as a witness for the defense. Judge Bulone denied that motion, too, and said the jury should make a decision unaided by Gualtieri’s personal opinion of the video....

Motions remain undecided regarding whether a jury will hear about McGlockton’s criminal history and that he had marijuana in his pocket at the time of the incident. The judge said he will take those up next Friday.

A motion regarding surveillance video recorded inside the store, which shows McGlockton stumbling inside and collapsing on the floor before dying in front of his son, will also be decided next week."

Judge: Prosecutors will stay on Drejka case

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

bumping and thanking the you-know-whos who are keeping this thread updated. Really appreciate being able to find so many links right here.

 

[SeesSeas]

https://ccmspa.pinellascounty.org/PublicAccess/default.aspx
08/19/2019 TRIAL (8:30 AM) (Judicial Officers BULONE, JOSEPH A, BULONE, JOSEPH A)
08/09/2019 MOTION (1:45 PM) (Judicial Officer BULONE, JOSEPH A)
ALL PENDING MOTIONS
08/09/2019 PRE-TRIAL (1:45 PM) (Judicial Officer BULONE, JOSEPH A)

2 High-Profile Bay Area Cases Back In The Courtroom
August 9, 2019 @6:52 AM
This afternoon, Michael Drejka will appear in Pinellas County Court for a pretrial hearing. His trial date is set for August 19.

During today’s hearing, the judge is expected to rule on whether jurors can be shown the surveillance video inside the Circle A Food Store. It shows Markeis McGlockton collapsing in front of his son after being shot outside.

The judge is also expected to make a decision on whether the prosecution can show jurors the video outside the store frame by frame before the shooting occurs.

Drejka’s pretrial hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.