Public Safety

Judge denies Stand Your Ground claim in Gilchrist County murder trial

A judge ruled Wednesday that Fisher Watts, accused of killing Koty Stewart on Memorial Day, was not acting in self-defense and denied his Stand Your Ground argument. Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard found no credible evidence that Watts reasonably feared imminent death or serious injury, noting that Stewart appeared to be turning away when he was shot. A written order is expected by Friday, with a status conference set for June 24 and trial scheduled for the week of July 6.

Sources: WCJB TV20