A man from Florida was charged with attempted first degree murder after he allegedly chased an un-armed burglar and shot him several times.
28-year-old Corthoris Jamal Jenkins was at his apartment in North-Miami Dade playing video games on Tuesday when a suspected burglar, Xavier West, apparently broke into his home.
Authorities said that instead of calling 911, Jenkins grabbed an assault-style rifle, chased West and shot him several times despite being on his knees and begging for his life.
“He begins to what appears to be to beg for his life,” Miami-Dade Detective Iry Watson testified on Wednesday.
“But the defendant takes the assault rifle and shoots him multiple times.”
According to the police report, Jenkins told investigators that he “blacked out” and was unable to recall the shooting.
During the court hearing, however, Jenkins instead said, “I didn’t shoot him while he was on the ground. I’m the victim, ma’am”
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer answered Jenkins’ testimony, and said, “You’re the victim of a potential burglary, but you can’t just go around shooting people.”
Prosecutor Khalil Quinan presented a surveillance video proving that the shooting was premeditated, to which Glazer agreed.
“He had time for reflection as he’s pointing the gun as he’s begging on his knees,” Glazer said.
“That’s premeditation.”
West remains hospitalized at Ryder Trauma Center, and detectives have not had a chance to interview him.
“He’s still intubated from his injuries,” said Watson.
It is still unclear whether Jenkins and West had any connection prior to the incident.
Jenkins’ arrest may be another legal test of Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground self-defense law, which allows for the use of lethal force if there is fear for immediate loss of life.
The law also made it easier for judges to grant “immunity” to someone they believe acted in self-defense.