Retired Florida cop who killed man in movie theater for texting acquitted of murder

The retired Florida police captain who fatally shot a person inside a movie show in 2014 was acquitted of homicide by a jury late Friday.

Curtis Reeves, 79, was charged with second-degree homicide after he gunned down 43-year-old Chad Oulson throughout a matinee screening of “Lone Survivor” in suburban Pasco County.

Protection attorneys and prosecutors have been in settlement that Reeves requested Oulson to cease texting through the film previews — which began an argument that ended with the previous Tampa police captain opening hearth.

Reeves pleaded not responsible on the grounds of self-defense.

His attorneys efficiently argued that police coaching knowledgeable Reeves’ choice to open hearth, as he believed his life was at risk when the sufferer threw his cellphone at his face and appeared able to climb over the seat and assault him.

Former Tampa police captain Curtis Reeves leaves court docket after he was discovered not responsible in his homicide trial on February 25, 2022, on the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Middle in Dade Metropolis, Florida.

AP

Reeves “had extra information, extra expertise, extra examine in that space than anybody on this courtroom,” protection lawyer Richard Escobar stated. “It’s a harmful world.”

Chad Oulson (proper) was requested by Curtis Reeves to cease texting throughout a film preview — however it led to an argument that ended with the previous officer opening hearth.

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Prosecutors countered that Reeves’ ego was bruised when Oulson threw popcorn in his face, and there was no actual menace.

“In his complete profession that's the most he has ever been scared? Completely unreal,” prosecutor Scott Rosenwasser stated of the previous murder bureau, fugitive apprehension and SWAT group commander.

“He didn’t concern something.”

Curtis Reeves, heart, celebrates his verdict after being discovered not responsible on February 25, 2022, in Dade Metropolis, Florida.

AP

Oulson died on the hospital; his spouse was handled after being shot within the hand.

Smiling, Reeves embraced members of the family after a six-person jury despatched him dwelling following a 3½ hour deliberation late Friday.

“That is nice,” Reeves instructed The Tampa Bay Instances. “It’s been a protracted eight years. I couldn’t look forward to it to be over with.”

Nicole Oulson, widow of Chad Oulson, reacts after listening to the decision in Curtis Reeves’ homicide trial on February 25, 2022, in Dade Metropolis, Florida.

AP

The case made nationwide information in 2014 as Reeves claimed he acted in self-defense beneath Florida’s controversial “stand your floor” regulation. A choose later denied that declare.

The trial was reportedly delayed attributable to hearings, motions and COVID-19 restrictions.

With Submit wires