VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Defense attorneys for Edward Druzolowski argued on Monday that he used the “Stand Your Ground” defense when he shot his neighbor last fall.
Druzolowski,79, was arrested last September for shooting and killing his neighbor, Brian Ford. Investigators said Ford was trimming trees along the fenceline when Druzolowski confronted him about being on his property.
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Druzolowski is facing second-degree murder charges.
The defense filed to dismiss the case and charges, claiming he stood his ground and defended himself in shooting Ford.
“Right next to the statute is a picture of Mr. Druzolowski. If any man has a right to defend himself, in this county, in this state it was Mr. Druzolowski under these circumstances,” said defense attorney Scott Richardson.
Prosecutors with the state attorney’s office, though, said Ford did not make enough threats that would warrant being shot.
Investigators said Ford was trimming trees along the fenceline when Druzolowski confronted him about being on his property. Druzolowski said Ford had a chainsaw nearby, started yelling at him and walked towards him, and shot him.
“He’s not running after the defendant, he’s not chasing him, just because someone is walking toward you, does not mean that they are a threat to you,” said Jeanne Stratis, assistant state attorney.
The judge is now reviewing the evidence and said she will have a decision in the coming weeks. Druzkolowski in the meantime is out on bond.
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