Ep24. In Pursuit of Truth for Deanna Stevison's Unsolved Murder Pt. 4

LaDonna Humphrey and David McClam,  discuss the troubling murder case of Deanna Stevison, who was fatally shot entering an apartment, a case that has raised significant questions about Florida’s stand your ground law. The law, which was not challenged in Deanna’s case due to its provisions, has been criticized for not improving public safety and potentially exacerbating racial disparities. The circumstances surrounding Deanna’s death—her estrangement from her fiancée and the involvement of a former police officer—underscore concerns about the potential misuse of such laws. Despite Deanna expressing fears for her safety, the motives behind her shooting, and the details of her visiting someone’s house to pick up a letter, suggest investigators may have overlooked key elements.

The broader misuse of stand your ground laws across the United States is highlighted, showing how they can lead to deadly outcomes in various scenarios, including disputes and custody battles. These laws have sometimes enabled aggressors and law enforcement officers to justify deadly force improperly. Furthermore, individuals such as women in abusive relationships and people of color often find it challenging to effectively use these laws in their defense. The case of Marissa Alexander is particularly noted, where her claim under the law was initially rejected despite facing violence, leading to a conviction later overturned on appeal.

The podcast also critiques the investigation efforts by the Escambia County sheriff’s office and calls for a reconsideration of stand your ground laws in Florida and elsewhere. They argue these laws might protect individuals who claim self-defense in situations where harm could have been avoided. With a focus on statistics from Florida and examples from Arizona and Tallahassee, the conversation underscores instances where claims of self-defense were questionable. The speakers express frustration over the lack of thorough investigation and proper application of the law in cases like Deanna’s, advocating for a reevaluation of such cases and a rewriting of the laws to prevent further injustices and ensure justice is served. The text concludes with an encouragement for listeners to engage with the content and stay updated on developments, hinting at future discussions on the topic.

Time Line

00:00 Introduction to Extinguished
David McClam and LaDonna Humphrey introduce the podcast Extinguished, focusing on sharing stories of the missing and murdered.

00:20 Deanna Stevison Murder Case Recap
A brief recap of the Deanna Stevison murder case, highlighting the tragic events leading to her death and the decision not to file charges under Florida stand your ground law.

01:28 Critique of Stand Your Ground Laws
Discussion on the ineffectiveness and harmful impact of stand your ground laws, with insights from a study and expert opinions.

02:15 Deanna’s Relationship Dynamics
Exploration of the complex relationships involving Deanna, Megan, and Amy, shedding light on the motives and tensions leading up to the tragic event.

03:41 Deanna’s Visit to Amy Plunkett’s Apartment
Analysis of the circumstances surrounding Deanna’s visit to Amy Plunkett’s apartment, raising questions about the intentions and actions of those involved.

04:57 Misapplication of Stand Your Ground Laws
Examination of various cases where stand your ground laws were misapplied, highlighting the disparities and injustices perpetuated by these laws.

07:17 Questioning the Fear Factor
Discussion on the lack of justification for fear in Deanna’s case, emphasizing the questionable actions and decisions made by those involved.

09:08 Lack of Investigation by Law Enforcement
Critique of the Escambia County...