Prosecutors have dropped charges against Deaveon Jaquan Brown, the man arrested after a stabbing outside a Taco Bell in downtown Orlando that was caught on video and spread widely online, saying the evidence supports self-defense.
The stabbing happened at about 10:31 p.m. on October 9 near Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard; we reported it HERE. Orlando police arrested Brown on October 10. He faced charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery with a weapon. The man who was stabbed suffered multiple wounds, underwent emergency surgery, and was initially listed in critical condition. His current condition has not been reported, but we’re guessing he’s still crazy.
Witnesses said the stabbed man had been threatening people with a knife before the incident. Police said videos showed Brown confronting the man and fighting with him in front of the restaurant before the stabbing.
The Orlando Police Department disagrees with parts of that view. WESH reported that police said video shows the man put the knife down, after which Brown picked it up and stabbed him four times. Police said the victim’s decision not to prosecute does not change the facts of their investigation, and that they “stand by the actions taken by our officers and the evidence gathered in this case.”
The State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit said Monday, November 9, that it reviewed video footage and witness statements before deciding not to prosecute, WFTV reported. “The evidence indicates that Mr. Brown acted in self-defense during the altercation, and we cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that his actions were not justified under Florida law,” the office said.
“Our duty is to the evidence and the law, not to a particular outcome,” the statement said. “Florida law gives every person the right to defend themselves.” The office, led by State Attorney Monique Worrell, said the man who was stabbed also told prosecutors he did not wish to pursue charges.
Brown spent 26 days in jail and is now home.
