US News
Florida woman will not face charges in fatal parking lot shooting, prosecutors say
The Broward County State Attorney's Office determined the shooter was immune from prosecution under Florida's 'stand your ground' law.
The short version
- Florida prosecutors announced that Melissa Payne will not be charged for the fatal June 30, 2026, shooting of Bart DiGuglielmo in a North Lauderdale Walmart parking lot.
- The Broward County State Attorney's Office determined that Payne acted in lawful self-defense under the state's 'stand your ground' statute.
- Multiple video recordings corroborated witness reports that DiGuglielmo aggressively pursued Payne despite repeated verbal warnings prior to the shooting.
Key facts
- Melissa Payne fatally shot 62-year-old Bart DiGuglielmo in the abdomen on June 30, 2026, following a dispute over a parking space at a Walmart in North Lauderdale.[ABC News]
- The Broward County State Attorney's Office concluded that Payne is immune from prosecution under Florida's 'stand your ground' law.[ABC News]
- Video evidence from cellphones and a Tesla showed DiGuglielmo aggressively pursuing Payne as she backed away, ignored verbal warnings, and gestured toward her vehicle before being shot.[ABC News]
- Prosecutors noted Payne was legally permitted to possess a firearm, was in a public space lawfully, and had no legal duty to retreat once facing reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm.[ABC News]
Sources
- Woman who fatally shot man during confrontation over parking space won't be chargedABC News - Top Stories