Judge Rejects Self-Defense Claim in Customs Agent Shooting
James Wonder's stand your ground law claim rejected
Friday, Nov 16, 2012 | Updated 6:46 AM EDT
Broward Sheriff's Office
James Wonder
A South Florida judge has rejected a Miramar man's claim that he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot an off-duty federal agent outside a post office.
Judge Bernard Bober issued a written ruling Thursday.
Charged with manslaughter, 69-year-old James Wonder had been seeking immunity from prosecution under Florida's stand your ground law. Police say Wonder shot 52-year-old Donald Pettit, an agent for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.
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The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that the shooting happened after a shouting match between the two as they were driving in Pembroke Pines on Aug. 5, 2008. Wonder pulled into the post office parking lot, and Pettit followed, confronted Wonder near his vehicle.
Defense attorneys say Wonder felt he was in danger. He can still make his self-defense case to a jury, but no trial date has been set.
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