Richard "Bubba" Crews, aged 38, tragically lost his life on September 2, 2019, in Hilliard, Florida. The incident occurred during a heated altercation at the Rooster Lane home he shared with his girlfriend, Michelle Johnson, and her son, Skylor Cole Johnson. The confrontation escalated when Crews allegedly began physically assaulting Michelle, pulling her out of a vehicle by her hair, dropping her to the ground, and kicking her while she lay near and underneath a pickup truck.
Michelle sustained significant injuries that required hospitalization.
In response to the assault, Skylor Cole Johnson intervened, fearing for his mother's life. He retrieved a 9 mm handgun and shot Crews multiple times. Following the shooting, Johnson unloaded the remaining bullets from the weapon and called the police to report the incident. Johnson was subsequently arrested and charged with the shooting death of Richard Crews.
Johnson's defense team filed a motion under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, arguing that his actions were justified to prevent imminent bodily harm or death to his mother. The motion detailed the severity of the assault on Michelle and highlighted Crews' aggressive behavior, including his alleged use of injectable steroid drugs and illicit substances. The defense claimed that Johnson acted without malice and in self-defense, as he was lawfully entitled to protect his mother in their home.
The case drew significant attention due to the application of the "Stand Your Ground" law, which allows individuals to use deadly force if they believe it is necessary to prevent harm or death. Johnson's public defender emphasized that there was no obligation for Johnson to retreat and that he had the right to stand his ground in the face of such a violent attack. The legal proceedings focused on whether Johnson's use of force was reasonable and justified under the circumstances.
The tragic death of Richard Crews and the subsequent legal battle underscored the complexities and controversies surrounding self-defense laws in Florida. The case highlighted the challenges in determining the appropriate use of deadly force and the legal protections afforded to individuals acting in defense of themselves or others.
