Jury acquits Gifford man who claimed self-defense after girlfriend killed by sheriff's SWAT team in

[WhiskeyGrinder]

https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2021/11/19/andrew-coffee-iv-cleared-murder-charge-2017-alteria-woods-death/8651720002/

VERO BEACH – A Gifford man who claimed he was defending himself and his girlfriend when he fired shots at deputies during an early-morning raid in 2017 was acquitted Friday of charges that carried a life prison term.

A jury found Andrew “A.J.” Coffee IV, 27, not guilty of second-degree felony murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer by discharging a firearm and one count of shooting or throwing a deadly missile.

(snip)

The charges related to a March 19, 2017, fire fight between a Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactical team and Coffee IV at his home in the 4500 block of 35th Avenue, Gifford.

His girlfriend, Alteria Woods, 21, died during the raid after being struck by 10 bullets fired by a SWAT team member, including one shot that entered her chest, records show.

The second-degree murder count, defined as an intentional killing that was not premeditated, was in connection to Woods’ death.

[thatdemguy]

1. but

He was convicted of being a felon with a gun, I am glad he got cleared of the BS charges. From what I read the cops never identified themselfs. No knock raids need to stop.

[stopdiggin]

4. +1 no-knock raids

are more or less the embodiment of self defense claims. And I completely understand the rationale - but when these things go south - it's LE that owns the F-up (and potential loss of life).

[Elessar Zappa]

2. Good.

[DashOneBravo]

3. Kick and recommend

[JoeOtterbein]

5. Jeeze...

...I hate guns.