Broward County prosecutors declined to file charges against a Florida woman who fatally shot a man during a parking lot confrontation at a North Lauderdale Walmart, citing the state’s Stand Your Ground law after determining they could not overcome her claim of reasonable fear for her safety.

Parking Dispute Turns Deadly

Video evidence shows the confrontation began when the shooter, identified as Payne, and the victim, DiGuglielmo, competed for the same parking space. After Payne secured the spot and DiGuglielmo parked elsewhere, he returned to confront her. Witnesses described DiGuglielmo as visibly shaking and angry as he approached, despite Payne’s repeated warnings to stay away from her and her vehicle.

Surveillance footage captured Payne backing away for approximately 90 seconds while DiGuglielmo continued advancing toward her. She eventually fired a single shot, striking him in the abdomen. Payne immediately placed her firearm on the roof of her car following the shooting.

Self-Defense Claim Prevails

After the incident, Payne cooperated with investigators and provided a statement after being read her Miranda rights. She told authorities DiGuglielmo had threatened to damage her vehicle. “When I see he come walking up again, he’s walking in my direction, I step out of the vehicle, I had my gun down on the side,” Payne stated. “I said, ‘Sir, please do not approach my vehicle, do not come near us.'”

The Broward State Attorney’s Office acknowledged in their closeout memo that the video evidence does not demonstrate Payne “was in the right.” However, prosecutors determined the state could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that she did not reasonably fear great bodily harm, a critical element needed to overcome Florida’s Stand Your Ground defense.

Family Disputes Decision

DiGuglielmo’s family expressed strong disagreement with the prosecutor’s decision not to file charges. “My family does not agree with this decision, our heart is broken,” the family stated in a message to CBS News Miami. The case highlights ongoing debates surrounding Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which removes the duty to retreat before using deadly force when facing a threat. The law has generated controversy since its passage, with supporters arguing it protects constitutional rights to self-defense and critics contending it enables unnecessary violence in confrontations that could otherwise be avoided.