Charles 'Bubba' Fasbenner, a 20-year-old from Apalachicola, FL, tragically lost his life on April 3, 2014. The incident occurred when Fasbenner, heavily intoxicated, entered the property of Ronald Joseph 'R.J.' Page. According to reports, Fasbenner's blood alcohol level was 0.31, nearly four times the legal limit for driving, and he also had hydrocodone, acetaminophen, and methadone in his system. On the night of the incident, Fasbenner walked into the front yard of Page's residence and advanced towards the homeowner despite being warned to leave. Page fired a warning shot into the ground, but Fasbenner continued to approach, leading Page to shoot him in the chest. Fasbenner was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Fasbenner's death concluded that the shooting was justified under Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law. State Attorney Willie Meggs reviewed the case and agreed with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office that Page had the right to use deadly force to protect himself and his home. The law states that a person who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter a dwelling is presumed to be doing so with the intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence. Given Fasbenner's high level of intoxication and his failure to respond to warnings, the authorities determined that Page's actions were legally justified.
Despite the legal closure, Fasbenner's family, particularly his grandparents who raised him, were deeply dissatisfied with the outcome. They viewed the incident as a cold-blooded murder and expressed their grief and disagreement with the decision not to press charges against Page. The case highlights the complexities and emotional toll of incidents involving self-defense claims and the application of 'Stand Your Ground' laws.
