Matthew Apperson, the man who tried to shoot George Zimmerman through the head last month, has been charged today with attempted murder (FS § 782.04), shooting into an occupied vehicle (FS § 790.19), and aggravated assault with a firearm (FS § 784.021), according to CNN.
These charges also make Apperson vulnerable to sentencing under Florida’s 10-20-Life law (FS § 775.087), with a mandatory minimum of 20 years served consecutively with any other sentences.
State Attorney Phil Archer appears confident about the charges filed, but Apperson’s attorney, Michael LaFay, continues to argue that his client shot at Zimmerman in self-defense:
“Our law enforcement community and the State Attorney’s Office works vigorously to ensure people may travel our busy streets, going about their business, without fear. Every resident and visitor to Seminole County deserves this freedom,” said State Attorney Phil Archer.”My reaction to these charges is a pronounced shrug,” Apperson’s attorney Michael LaFay told CNN. “I’ve reviewed the charges and they don’t change the facts. The prosecutors have put their heads together and tried to contemplate what could be the most serious charges, but that doesn’t really change anything. This is a case of self-defense.”
Apperson has a track record of bizarre behavior in general and a fixation on Zimmerman in particular, as noted in our previous posts on this subject:
Zimmerman Shooter Claims Self-Defense
George Zimmerman Attempted Shooting – New Facts Released
Zimmerman Shooting: 911 Recording, Police Docs
George Zimmerman Shooter’s Checkered Past
Zimmerman Shooter Arrested, Possible Life Sentence
Zimmerman Shooter Out on Bond, Turns in Guns
Officials have launched an investigation into Apperson’s overall mental health:
Apperson’s arraignment is scheduled for June 23.
–-Andrew, @LawSelfDefense
Attorney Andrew Branca and his firm Law of Self Defense have been providing internationally-recognized expertise in American self-defense law for almost 20 years in the form of blogging, books, live seminars & online training (both accredited for CLE), public speaking engagements, and individualized legal consultation.
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