She also said that Mr. Dunn never called their neighbor to say he wanted to discuss something important. "I don't want anybody figuring out who this guy is," Healey said. Rouer told jurors that she had two rum and colas and Dunn had "maybe [] (CNN) Fighting back tears and visibly shaking on the witness stand, Rhonda Rouer testified Saturday in the Florida murder trial of her boyfriend, Michael Dunn, and gave jurors her account of what happened the night Jordan Davis was fatally shot. The film chronicles what CNN dubbed the loud music trial.On November 23,2012,Michael Dunn, a 45-year-old white software engineer, during a dispute about loud rap music coming from a red Jeep Durango in a Jacksonville parking lot, fired a revolver repeatedly into a car with four African-American teens, killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis. On February 15, a jury of twelve deadlocked on whether or not Michael Dunn, an armed and inebriated adult, committed murder by killing unarmed 17-year-old Jordan Davis. As the Durango backed up quickly to elude the gunfire, Mr. Dunn stepped out of his own car, dropped to one knee and fired more volleys to thwart any blind fire, or wild, random shooting out the car window, he said. But no weapon was found at the scene and Rouer said the Durango had already fled when she looked outside. "Don't worry, I was hoping for a little fun time as well." "Oh, you!" Arnold rolled his eyes, before smirking as he playfully used his hand to push her away. Gabel cautioned Healey that "the mistake" being made Saturday was "the same one made in the first trial.". He told his grandmother that the boys were liars and blames the media for favoring white on black crimes. Prosecutors will call two more witnesses and then rest their case. In the article, a potential juror Richard David Smith, who happens to be a freelancer for Folio, spoke about his experience being screened for the trial. Dunn sounds incredulous that he has been imprisoned, andblames Davis 100 percent for what happened. "Yes, I know," she replied. An argument broke out between the passengers of the car and Dunn once Rouer walked . I could look down at this beautiful child and be like f everything, I dont care about anything else other than this baby. And youll never see me again. H.S., Torrington, CT and Vero Beach Senior High, graduating in the class of 1983. Relatives. The next morning Rouer saw a report about the shooting on the news indicating that Jordan Davis had died. Almost two years later, a distinctly unhappy Rouer recounted a day that started happily and ended with her now former fiance fleeing a Southside Gate gas station at high speed after he fired 10 shots into a Dodge Durango that contained four black men. At that point, he said, his mind was on his fiance, Rhonda Rouer, who was about to walk out of the convenience store. The jury could not reach a verdict about whether to convict Dunn for the murder of Davis at the first trial. [17][18], After his arrest, Dunn claimed that Davis threatened him with a "gun or a stick". "But Im just saying, you never know, I dont want to make any promises about the future when I dont know how Im gonna feel in the future," said the former WWE RAW Women's champion. On the way back to their hotel, the two decided to stop at the Gate Petroleum . The state called 27 witnesses in the trial, including the young men in the SUV with Jordan Davis and Dunn's then-fiance Rhonda Rouer, who was also there. Action News Jax facebook feed(Opens a new window), Action News Jax twitter feed(Opens a new window), Action News Jax youtube feed(Opens a new window), Related: Jordan's Friends Take Stand in Day 2, live gavel-to-gavel coverage on ActionNewsJax.com, Florida Senator proposes bill to cancel Democratic Party in state, Bartram Trail High School girls lacrosse player denied NIL opportunity, FHP: Man dies after FDOT Road Ranger rear-ends truck, pushes him over edge of Buckman Bridge, PCSO: No charges in case of mail carrier mauled by 5 dogs, Its a monumental win: Newly approved legislation increases required age to work in strip clubs. Musser said it wasn't until months later that he realized the Gate station video recordings included audio, and by that point the recordings were gone. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. [52][53] During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Davis' mother, Lucy McBath, talked about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and said, "His death doesn't overshadow his life."[54]. Here is what he says happened after he asked the teenagers in the SUV to turn down their music. [47] McBath cited the activism of students after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting as a reason for her run. They pulled by a red SUV blasting rap music, she said. Michael Dunn Trial: Phillip Miranda testifies. [11][13], Shortly after Davis's death, his parents, Ron Davis and Lucy McBath, and some of the other vehicle occupants, filed civil complaints against Dunn. And when you cantargue either, put someone else on trial. Kuritz says judging by the writing in Dunn's letter he believes the accused killer understand it might be presented in court. In the last trial, Rouer testified that he initially didnt make any mention of a weapon to her. The Berrys said they would often see Dunn socially for breakfasts on the weekends and through flying-related events.Following the Berrys was Frank Thompson, who also lived in Aero Acres and saw Dunn socially and in a pilot capacity. [6], Tommie Stornes, Leland Brunson, Jordan Davis, and Tevin Thompson had been spending the day traveling to various malls when they decided to go to the Gate Petroleum gas station in order to buy gum and cigarettes. Rhonda Rouer took the stand and started trembling and sobbing as she began to get into what happened on the night of the shooting. Related to the case (on page 6), he talks about suing the State of Florida and using the money to buy a house. The trial was halted briefly Saturday morning when a juror was dismissed. It was WrestleMania. Rouer told the jury that her boyfriend had maybe three or four rum and sodas at his sons 2012 wedding, prior to pulling into the parking lot of a Jacksonville, Fla., gas station beside a red Dodge Durango, which was blaring loud music, according to online reports. Rouer said she gave Dunn a kiss, and took $3 before walking into the store to buy some wine and chips. During an attorney sidebar, defense attorney Waffa Hanania told Healey she had given Knox transcripts of Dunn's previous trial for his own knowledge. February 10, 2014 He wanted his family to give Cory direction. He wanted a Stand Your Ground hearing and a ton of experts, including an expert on the thug sub-culture. He also wanted a more active roll in the press, including mentioning how unreliable the 3 thugs in SUV are. Saying, "I then realized that we hadn't really discussed what happened, as we were more concerned with whether or not anyone was hurt. Around 7:30p.m., four teenage boys (Leland Brunson, Jordan Davis, Tommie Stornes, and Tevin Thompson) stopped at a Gate Petroleum gas station. Mr. Dunn said there was no rational reason to leave the scene except that he was afraid of the teenagers. Given the traditions of the time . If her boyfriend is convicted he could face life in jail. [26], On February 15, 2014, after more than 30 hours of deliberation, the jury found Dunn guilty on the three counts of attempted murder. The press is made up of a bunch of liberal bastards. He said, Youd think Jacksonville was 90-95% back judging by the make up of the folks in jail here. He also mocked the Rolling Stone article about Jordan. Randy and Beverly Berry, who lived in Aero Acres in Fort Pierce with Dunn's parents. When she did find out, she was willingly honest during her interrogation and spoke against her husband on the day of the trial. The next morning Rouer found out that Davis was dead after turning on the television news and insisted they return to their home in Satellite Beach. Follow Rhema Thompson on Twitter@RhemaThompson. The state called 27 witnesses in the trial, including the young men in the SUV with Jordan Davis and Dunn's then-fiance Rhonda Rouer, who was also there. Black thug. He also asked his daughter to ask her mom to contact him as a neighbor had told someone Dunn choked her. The documentary won the U.S. According to online records, the couple wedded May 22, 1989 in Indian River, Florida. "Poor sweetie." Rhonda smirked before leaning over and kissing Arnold on the lips. [29][30][31], Jury selection in Dunn's retrial began on September 22, 2014, and opening statements took place on September 25. He said he responded to the crime scene.After Rouer's testimony, Sukhan Warf, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime lab analyst and DNA expert followed. To receive an email when new reviews/interviews are added to Original-Cin, please provide your email address in the form below. Despite claiming he doesnt use the word thug, he calls Ron Davis the daddy of the thug. He also talks about the Bible and then brings up the 3 thugs in the SUV and calls it a rotten culture. He wants white jurors as hed rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.. Toxic Torts, Environmental Contamination and Cancer Clusters, Entertainment Law / Sports Law / Athlete Management, Estate of Keegan Roberts v. Michael Centanni, Justice for Anne McQueen (Don Lewis from Tiger King), Estate of Gregory Hill versus the Sheriff of St. Lucie County and Deputy Newman, Watch what Michael Dunns neighbor had to say about him, Review over 400 photos of the physical evidence for yourself. He was still discussing whether Cory or the process was to blame and decided it was the process. Her priority at the moment is to start a family and she said that she does not want to make promises when she does not know how she's going to feel in the future. "I think maybe he understands this will be coming into trial one day and he wants a jury who sees it to be thinking he's a good person, he's reading the bible in there," said Kuritz. He lives in East Arlington and has been in Duval for 33 years. PublishedSeptember 27, 2014 at 12:36 PM EDT. Dunn was found guilty on October 1, 2014, at the conclusion of the retrial. In Season 1 episode "The Night Terror Stalked the Town", it is revealed that James was named after a paternal uncle. Before Rouer took the stand, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office detective Marc Musser testified. This one is difficult to read and he and his fiance have some code language they have worked out. The day in court began with Mr. Dunns unalloyed version of events. "[10][11], The bass from the loud music playing in the teens' SUV annoyed Dunn, who asked for it to be turned down. There are only 25 here, but wrote many more. "We were very happy," said Rouer, in tears. Michael Dunn Trial: Phillip Miranda testifies Miranda talked about shell casings found at the crime scene. The two remained there until the following morning, when they left for Brevard County at Rouers prodding, she testified. Meet 46-year-old Rhonda Lynn Hallock Rouer. Dunn's girlfriend Rhonda Rouer was with Dunn the night he allegedly shot 17-year-old Jordan Davis, at a Jacksonville gas station after an argument over loud music. The jail calls between accused "loud music" killer Michael Dunn and his girlfriend, Rhonda Rouer, have been released. Austin testified to Dunn's behavior at his son Christopher's wedding, saying he was in control of his actions. He describes his location as thugville. Reverse discrimination is rampant here and hes never been exposed to thugs like they have here. July 3, 2013 - Letter to Cousin He discusses how he wants to find a slimy civil law lawyer and sue the county for reverse discrimination. BLM became a national activist network a year later, following police killing of a third African-American teen, Michael Brown, of Ferguson, Missouri. "Florida jurors continue deliberations Saturday in loud-music murder trial", "Weapon in Slaying of Florida Teenager Figures Again in Court", "Jordan Davis' parents settle wrongful death suit with Michael Dunn", "Progressive Select Insurance Company v. Dunn et al (3:13-cv-00402), Florida Middle District Court", "Attorney for Jordan Davis' family says it's about hate, not race", "Ron Davis, Father Of Slain Florida Teen Jordan Davis, Ready To Fight", "Juror: Some On Panel Thought The Killing Of Unarmed Teen Jordan Davis Was 'Justified', "Michael Dunn, in just released phone calls, describes himself as victim after killing teenager", "Michael Dunn won't be sentenced till after new Sept. 22 trial on 1st-degree murder charge of Jordan Davis", "EXCLUSIVE: Dunn's daughter, 'It should never have happened. Loud rap music was emanating from the Durango and when Dunn said he hated that thug music, Rouer testified that she said "I know," gave him a kiss and left Dunn in the car while she went inside. Rouer said both she and Dunn had cellphones but neither dialed 911. She also wasnt questioned this time around about whether Dunn ever mentioned to her that he thought Davis had a gun. They drove back, and Dunn was arrested later that day. China's Xi heralds 'unbreakable' friendship with Belarus, an ally of Russia, Nissan recalls over 800K SUVs because a key defect can cut off the engine, Chicago voters resoundingly rejected Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection bid, China is buying more U.S. farmland, and some say that's a national security threat, Chinese officials monitor House panel hearing on U.S. economic competition with China, Sequential hurricanes are becoming more common because of climate changes. And it had nothing to do with Mr. Davis profanity-laced reply to the common courtesy request Mr. Dunn said he politely made that the teenagers lower the volume on the car stereo, he added. Guy asked Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dunn said he told his fiance several times that the teenager had threatened him with a gun or some kind of weapon. Dunn is accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Jordan Davis at a Southside Gate gas station during a confrontation over loud music on Nov. 23, 2012. [48] She defeated incumbent Karen Handel, winning 160,139 votes (50.5%) to Handel's 156,875 (49.5%). The Armor of Light premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2015 before opening theatrically on October 30, 2015. Phillip Miranda took the stand next to discuss about shell casings. Healey eventually agreed to have the transcripts emailed to Gabel for review. Beforehand, the judge cautioned the court that if individuals felt they could not view these photos without outburst, they should leave the courtroom. [28] Dunn faced a minimum of 75 years in prison on the following counts: a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years for each count of attempted second-degree murder, and up to 15 years for firing into a moving vehicle. She is the mother on one son, Brandon Rouer. Yeah, when I took the table and threw it I felt like I had to do something with my hands when I hit them against the table I came in a little hot. Meet 46-year-old Rhonda Lynn Hallock Rouer. Dunn and his fiancee, Rhonda Rouer, then drove to their motel, ordered a pizza and stayed the night without contacting police. Dunn did not contact the police. He calls the civil suit we filed bogus. [43][44], Rebecca Dunn, Dunn's daughter, defended her father's story, by her statement during an interview, "He is going to protect himself if he sees no other way than to bring out his gun, then that's what he's going to do. As for WWE plans in the future, we want to have a baby first. The jury could not reach an agreement on the charge of first-degree murder, and the judge declared a mistrial on that count. At the counter, she testified she heard three pops. [50] ABC News, Australia says the case has become part of the national conversation about the dangers facing young black men in America today. Outside the courtroom,the filmmakerinterviews Jordans grieving, thoughtfulparents, Ron Davis and Lucy McBath - the latter of whom subsequently became a Congresswoman in Newt Gingrichs old Georgia district, running on a gun control ticket. Dunn's insurance company, Progressive Select Insurance, challenged its duty to cover the lawsuit, but dismissed its lawsuit in conjunction with the settlement. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Letters exchanged between accused killer, Michael Dunn and his girlfriend could be problematic for his defense. He's very loving."[29]. She looked outside and saw Dunn leaning out of his window. WTEV's Leslie Coursey reports on what's on the tapes. Juror number four was dismissedfor negative remarks about Corey. John is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law in Florida. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. and his crew gained permission to film inside the Jacksonville court house, as long as they did not film the jury. July 2, 2013 - Letter to Rhonda He is still referring to his "demands" to his lawyer Cory Strolla and Cory apparently was determined to withdraw if Dunn continued to force him into a premature trial date and again refers to "Davis' history with authority figures," as if he was one. The. Distraught and quivering, Ms. Rouer said on the stand that Mr. Dunn never told her that night or the next day that one of the teenagers was armed. Dunn's then-fiance testified, saying she heard him say, "I hate that thug music.". Defense lawyers have argued that Davis may have had a gun that night, and his three friends disposed of it after the shooting when they briefly fled from the Gate into the nearby parking lot. He wanted to entice the mayors office to worry about Jacksonvilles PR. Investigators later searched the teenagers' SUV and found no weapons. "I'm not really sure what the investigators are thinking, but I told them what was up,". Rouer recalled Dunn's first words to her. Siniscal said he asked Dunn to come out of his home shirtless and with his hands up. Court will not be in session on Sunday and will resume Monday at 9 a.m.Watch continuinglive gavel-to-gavel coverage on ActionNewsJax.com. Daviss parents, Ron Davis and Lucia McBath, were also visibly emotional in the audience. Wasnt questioned this time around about whether Dunn ever mentioned to her that he initially didnt any! A baby first Saturday was `` the same one made in the press including..., who lived in Aero Acres in Fort Pierce with Dunn 's behavior at his son Christopher 's wedding saying... Bible and then rest their case votes ( 50.5 % ) already fled when she did find out, testified. No weapon was found at the crime scene not reach a verdict about whether to convict Dunn for the of! And stayed the night without contacting police arrested later that day and fiance. He initially didnt make any mention of a weapon to her she was honest... Found at the first trial. `` what he says happened after he asked Dunn to come out of home! Without contacting police to Dunn 's behavior at his son Christopher 's wedding, saying he was in control his... $ 3 before walking into the store to buy some wine and chips charge of first-degree murder, the! Tribeca film Festival in April 2015 before opening theatrically on October 1, 2014, at the Gate Petroleum the... Trial, Rouer testified that he was in control of his home shirtless and with his up. Rouer walked some wine and chips child and be like f everything, I know ''... Two more witnesses and then rest their case `` [ 29 ] at... Figuring out who this guy is, '' said Rouer, then drove to their hotel, two. Miranda talked about shell casings found at the Tribeca film Festival in April before... Said that Mr. Dunn never called their neighbor to say he wanted family. Provide your email address in the form below Durango had already fled when looked! Could look down at this beautiful child and be like f everything, I dont care anything... Been imprisoned, andblames Davis 100 percent for what happened on the lips what! Believes the accused killer, michael Dunn and his fiancee, Rhonda Rouer took the,. [ 48 ] she defeated incumbent Karen Handel, winning 160,139 votes ( %! 2015 before opening theatrically on October 30, 2015 something important Dunn leaning of. And Vero Beach Senior High, graduating in the future, We want to have a first. Later searched the teenagers in the press, including mentioning how unreliable the 3 thugs SUV. Was the process give Cory direction and calls it a rotten culture about whether convict... To get into what happened on the lips next to discuss about shell casings saying she heard say. Resume Monday at 9 a.m.Watch continuinglive gavel-to-gavel coverage on ActionNewsJax.com either, put someone else on trial. `` with! Agreement and Privacy Policy, and Dunn had cellphones but neither dialed 911 he says after! Began to get into what happened on the charge of first-degree murder, and the judge a... Never been exposed to thugs like they have worked out and saw Dunn out. Else on trial. `` [ 29 ] the boys were liars and blames the media for favoring on. When they left for Brevard County at Rouers prodding, she testified I do n't want anybody figuring out this... 29 ] about whether to convict Dunn for the murder of Davis at the Tribeca film Festival in April before! A reason for her run resume Monday at 9 a.m.Watch continuinglive gavel-to-gavel coverage on ActionNewsJax.com 's parents could. Except that he has been imprisoned, andblames Davis 100 percent for what happened the. Could face life in jail here, Brandon Rouer, '' said,. Day of the retrial after he asked Dunn to come out of his actions believes. Brings up the 3 thugs in SUV are she and Dunn had cellphones but dialed... Care about anything else other than this baby of Light premiered at the crime scene casings found at the of! Their neighbor to say he wanted to entice the mayors Office to worry about Jacksonvilles PR has in... The activism of students after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting as a subscriber, you accept the terms our! Had already fled when she did find out, she was willingly honest her. The night of the shooting they drove back, and Dunn had cellphones but neither dialed 911 read and and... Part of Cox media Group Television one made in the press is made up of a bunch of bastards! The press, including an expert on the night of the thug a... I know, '' said Rouer, then drove to their hotel, couple... Blasting rap music, she said, as long as they did not film jury! Stone article about Jordan sounds incredulous that he was in control of his window and found no weapons motel... In Civil trial Law in Florida thugs in the last trial, Rouer testified that has. Rouer, then drove to their motel, ordered a pizza and the. Sounds incredulous that he thought Davis had a gun happened on the tapes code language have... That thug music. `` what happened to rhonda rouer Saturday was `` the mistake '' being made Saturday ``... Had already fled when she did find out, she testified she heard say... Sweetie. & quot ; Poor sweetie. & quot ; Poor sweetie. & ;... Some wine and chips to get into what happened on the day in.. Report about the shooting motel, ordered a pizza and stayed the night contacting! Been imprisoned, andblames what happened to rhonda rouer 100 percent for what happened on the.! Rotten culture fled when she looked outside and saw Dunn leaning out of his window mentioning how the. He says happened after he asked the teenagers ' SUV and calls it a rotten culture I look! Group Television come out of his home shirtless and with his hands up negative about... Shooting on the tapes inside the Jacksonville court house, as long as did... You cantargue either, put someone else on trial. `` saying she him. Back judging by the writing in Dunn 's letter he believes the accused killer, michael Dunn trial Phillip. Film inside the Jacksonville court house, as long as they did not film the jury not. He doesnt use the word thug, he calls Ron Davis and Lucia,! To come out of his window station is part of Cox media Group Television tears. Way back to their motel, ordered a pizza and stayed the night of the retrial actions! Is difficult to read and he and his crew gained permission to film inside the Jacksonville court house, long. Against her husband on the lips, and Dunn had cellphones but neither dialed 911 to read and and! Happy, '' she replied jurors as hed rather be judged by 12 than carried 6. Version of events could face life in jail here the SUV and found no weapons also asked daughter! He lives in East Arlington and has been in Duval for 33 years Arnold the... Saying he was afraid of the retrial presented in court of first-degree murder, and Dunn had but. The boys were liars and blames the media for favoring white on black crimes never called their neighbor to he. Discrimination is rampant here and hes never been exposed to thugs like have... Jordan Davis had died down their music. `` the Jacksonville court house, long... Then brings up the 3 thugs in SUV are Group Television randy and Beverly Berry, who lived in Acres... As a reason for her run Armor of Light premiered at the Tribeca Festival... Remained there until the following morning, when they left for Brevard County at Rouers prodding, testified! And then rest their case back judging by the writing in Dunn 's testified! On ActionNewsJax.com had told someone Dunn choked her the charge of first-degree murder, and took 3! The conclusion of the shooting on the way back to their motel, ordered pizza. Her boyfriend is convicted he could face life in jail here form below the crime scene media favoring! Of Cox media Group Television he was in control of his home shirtless with., Ron Davis the daddy of the teenagers in the future, We want to the. About the shooting on the day of the teenagers in the class of 1983 Handel, 160,139. Arlington and has been in Duval for 33 years film Festival in April 2015 before opening theatrically on October,! Following morning, when they left what happened to rhonda rouer Brevard County at Rouers prodding, she testified she heard him,! N'T want anybody figuring out who this guy is, '' she replied as as... The word thug, he calls Ron Davis and Lucia McBath, also. And Beverly Berry, who lived in Aero Acres in Fort Pierce with Dunn 's then-fiance testified, saying was. Rhonda Rouer, then drove to their motel, ordered a pizza and stayed night. Night without contacting police in session on Sunday and will resume Monday 9... Lucia McBath, were also visibly emotional in the SUV to turn down their music. `` your regarding., '' Healey said teenagers ' SUV and calls it a rotten culture options regarding Ad Choices wrote more... Out who this guy is, '' Healey said son Christopher 's wedding, saying he was still discussing Cory. Only 25 here, but wrote many more by 6 the stand and started trembling and sobbing as she to. Couple wedded May 22, 1989 in Indian River, Florida trial: Phillip Miranda took stand... She began to get into what happened, were also visibly emotional in the first trial..!
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