SUMMERFIELD, FLORIDA – Last month, a tragic incident unfolded in a Summerfield residence, resulting in the fatal shooting of a man by his stepfather. After a review of the case, prosecutors have decided not to file charges against the shooter, citing self-defense and prior acts of violence by the victim.
According to Assistant State Attorney Rich Buxman, the shooter, Richard McCloskey, reported previous acts of violence committed by his stepson, James Crawford. These prior acts were deemed admissible in explaining the reasonableness of McCloskey’s actions. Furthermore, it was noted that Crawford had threatened McCloskey prior to the shooting, leading to the decision not to file criminal charges against McCloskey.
Officers arrived at the home in response to a 911 call reporting the altercation that resulted in Crawford’s death. Upon detention, McCloskey claimed self-defense, stating that Crawford had made threatening movements towards him, triggering the use of deadly force to protect himself.
Detectives also spoke with McCloskey’s children, who reported that the victim had been physically violent in the past. Despite allegations of verbal arguments and occasional alcohol consumption between the two men, no history of physical violence was known to family members.
McCloskey’s lengthy interview with detectives revealed his account of the shooting. He claimed that Crawford had become angry during a conversation, displaying a threatening demeanor that resembled previous violent encounters. McCloskey ultimately fired the fatal shot from a seated position, citing the need to protect himself from harm.
The tragic outcome in Summerfield adds to the statistics of domestic violence deaths and incidents involving the use of firearms in Marion County. However, based on the facts and circumstances of this specific case, the decision not to file charges against McCloskey stands on the grounds of self-defense and the reasonable basis for the use of deadly force.