Friday (June 5), Circuit Judge Jeffrey Mahl issued an Order denying Yousef HAFZA's Motion to Grant Immunity under Florida Statute 776.032, or "Stand Your Ground" law. HAFZA, a former Brevard County Deputy, is being prosecuted for Second Degree Murder (LF) in the death of Clarence HOWARD (25), and is also charged with the Attempted Second Degree Murder (F1) of Jose MONTANEZ.

 

On March 8, 2019, and in a continuation on November 25, 2019, the Court heard witness testimony and legal arguments outlining details of the deadly roadway encounter between HAFZA and two other men, MONTANEZ and HOWARD on June 19, 2016, in Palm Bay. During the confrontation, HAFZA shot and killed HOWARD.

 

In the Order, Judge Mahl wrote "It is hereby found that the State has met the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the Defendant is not entitled to dismissal of the charges."

 

No trial date has been set, but the case is scheduled for Docket Review on June 30, 2020, at 8:30 am, at the Moore Justice Center in Viera.