Thread: Florida Jogger who shot and killed unarmed teenage 'mugger' released without charge

Carlos Mustelier was shot four times by Thomas Baker after he believed that Mustelier had a weapon when he mugged him




When Thomas Baker was

confronted by two youths while out on a late night run he decided to defend himself.
Having been punched in the face and fearing his attacker was armed he pulled out a handgun from his pocket and shot dead the teenager who had hit him.
As the gun debate rages afresh across America in the wake of the Tuscon massacre, prosecutors in Florida have ruled Baker should not face any charges, even though 18-year-old Carlos Musteller did not have a weapon.

Citing the state's 'stand your ground' law they ruled the 28-year-old was entitled to protect himself.
Under the 2005 law people have the right to use deadly force as long as they 'reasonably believe' their life is in danger.
The controversial ruling will fuel the raging nationwide debate over firearms in the wake of the Tucson shooting.
Baker was out jogging alone after midnight near his home in Tampa, Florida, when he was confronted by Mustelier and a 16-year-old youth.
The teen told told police Mustelier decided he wanted to rob Baker, telling him: 'I'm going to bam him.. I'm gonna knock him out.'
Baker told investigators he was suddenly confronted by Mustelier who punched him in the face.
With his lip cut and suffering blurred vision he said he pulled out a handgun that was fitted with a laser sight and fired eight times
Mustelier was hit four times with hollow pointed bullets fired from the .45calibre weapon.
The 16-year-old told police he fled but remembers seeing Mustelier standing in the road with a red laser dot sight on his chest.




Baker, who had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, immediately called police after the shooting last November and stayed with the dying teen.
Later during a five-hour interview with police he said he feared Mustelier was armed.
He said he was carrying £500 in cash from fixing friends' cars and didn't want to lose the money.
Baker, who was out jogging to get fit before applying to join the military, said he always carried a handgun.

Family members said he often went jogging late at night and took a gun for protection.

Prosecutors ruled the case 'justifiable homicide' and said Baker will not face any charges.
Criminal defence lawyer Eddie Suarez, said Florida's Stand Your Ground law had re-defined when you can act in self defence.
'The statute provides immunity for a citizen who reasonably believes they are in danger of serious bodily injury or death or the commission of forcible felony,' said Suarez.
'That person has the right to use deadly force. They don't have to retreat. They can use deadly force to protect themselves. The key is that belief has to be reasonable.'
Mr Suarex said that the victim's family are considering filing a civil lawsuit against Baker.
And while they do not dispute that Baker feared his attacker had a gun they are angry at the number of shots fired.
'I know that he thought my brother had a gun,' said Dianela Gonzalez, Mustelier's sister.
'But I mean, it was eight shots fired. How do you shoot someone eight times in self-defence? That makes no sense.'

Who the fuck goes jogging carrying a cumbersome and heavy 45 with laser sights and $500 in cash?

That should deter a little crime in that neighborhood I'd say.

So he was selling drugs then.

Originally Posted by Dug

Who the fuck goes jogging carrying a cumbersome and heavy 45 with laser sights and $500 in cash?

Originally Posted by Roger Lee

That should deter a little crime in that neighborhood I'd say.

Hear hear!

yes should roll it out worldwide,


imagine him in court , putting his sweet smile on for the judge and jury
cancel that now

Originally Posted by Dug

Who the fuck goes jogging carrying a cumbersome and heavy 45 with laser sights and $500 in cash?

a dude like him training for the army selection interview-
you ever held an army rifle ?
freaking heavy they are !

Originally Posted by Jesus Jones

Originally Posted by Roger Lee

That should deter a little crime in that neighborhood I'd say.

Hear hear!

One of the very few things about America I am still proud of.

Family members said he often went dealing late at night and took a gun for protection.

That's more like it.

What he was doing, what he was carrying on himself, and the time of day he was out is really nobody's business.

This rat deserves what he got. I only wish a few more would have the courage to do so.

If you are out jogging at that hour in most parts of Tampa you'd better be armed. The shooter was probably looking for trouble a la Death Wish, but whatever, one less punk.

Out jogging (or whatever) and some punk assaults you and admittedly (according to his friend) tries to rob you. And you shoot him after being assaulted. Tough shit; got what he deserved. One less predator. Carrying a .45 while "jogging"? Pretty big, heavy gun. Carrying a lot of money. Very strange. Drug dealer making his rounds? Quite possible. So what. Doesn't change the assault and attempted robbery.

Originally Posted by robuzo

If you are out jogging at that hour in most parts of Tampa you'd better be armed. The shooter was probably looking for trouble a la Death Wish, but whatever, one less punk.

My thoughts exactly.

Not wanting to threadjack, but there are certain parallels:

Student, 20, dead after ‘gangster’ street fight
A 20-year-old student died in hospital after a fight between two gangs in the streets of Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district on Monday. Police said the victim died from multiple head wounds probably caused by rocks thrown by the rival gang. The victim’s mother filed a complaint to police, but officials said the offenders would not be prosecuted because the deceased was a “gangster” himself. Police said they were searching for the suspects “to give them an education”.
RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Police Blotter: 13 Jan 2011 | National news | The Phnom Penh Post - Cambodia's Newspaper of Record

Originally Posted by Dug

Who the fuck goes jogging carrying a cumbersome and heavy 45 with laser sights and $500 in cash?

Who cares? He has the right to defend himself against thugs.