Charges Will Not Be Filed Against Woman Who Fatally Shot Man in North Lauderdale Walmart Parking Lot
Prosecutors cited possible immunity under Florida self-defense law after video showed the victim and shooter arguing over a parking space, officials said.
- On Thursday, the Broward County State Attorney's Office announced it will not prosecute Melissa Payne for the June 30, 2026, fatal shooting of Bart DiGuglielmo at a North Lauderdale Walmart, citing Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law.
- A "brief stalemate" occurred after the two drivers argued over a parking space; witnesses reported DiGuglielmo threatened to "mess her car up" before aggressively approaching Payne while she held a firearm.
- Division Chief Stephen Zaccor stated that because Payne was in a public place, she "did not have to wait to be attacked" before using force, as prosecutors could not prove her fear of great bodily harm was unreasonable.
- Attorney Melissa Rodriguez expressed that Amanda DiGuglielmo is "very disappointed" by the decision, asserting the family believes the situation "did not warrant stand your ground immunity."
- Under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, the ruling highlights how prosecutors cannot pursue charges if they cannot disprove a claim of reasonable fear, a threshold critics argue complicates accountability.
15 Articles
15 Articles
RARE: CBS Does a Very Clean Report on Florida 'Stand Your Ground' Case
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'Reasonable Fear': Black Woman Who Killed White Man at Florida Walmart Over Parking Lot Dispute Escapes Charges Due to 'Stand Your Ground' Law
A Black Florida woman who claimed she shot and killed a man at Walmart in self-defense will not face charges. The woman, identified as Melissa Payne, shot
State attorney cites ‘stand your ground’ after not pressing charges against woman in fatal North Lauderdale shooting - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - The Broward State Attorney cited Florida’s “stand your ground” law after announcing no charges would be filed against a woman
Florida Woman Will Not Face Charges for Fatally Shooting Army Veteran in Walmart Parking Lot
A Florida woman will not face charges for fatally shooting Army veteran Bart Diguglielmo in the parking lot of a North Lauderdale Walmart on June 30. Diguglielmo, 62, was shot and killed after an argument with Melissa Payne over a parking spot. Prosecutors said Payne will not be charged due to Florida’s “stand your ground” […]
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