Woman Who Fatally Shot Man During Confrontation over Florida Parking Space Won't Be Charged
Prosecutors cited possible immunity under Florida self-defense law after video showed the victim and shooter arguing over a parking space, officials said.
- On Thursday, the Broward County State Attorney's Office announced it will not prosecute Melissa Payne for the June 30, 2026, fatal shooting of Bart DiGuglielmo at a North Lauderdale Walmart, citing Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law.
- A "brief stalemate" occurred after the two drivers argued over a parking space; witnesses reported DiGuglielmo threatened to "mess her car up" before aggressively approaching Payne while she held a firearm.
- Division Chief Stephen Zaccor stated that because Payne was in a public place, she "did not have to wait to be attacked" before using force, as prosecutors could not prove her fear of great bodily harm was unreasonable.
- Attorney Melissa Rodriguez expressed that Amanda DiGuglielmo is "very disappointed" by the decision, asserting the family believes the situation "did not warrant stand your ground immunity."
- Under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, the ruling highlights how prosecutors cannot pursue charges if they cannot disprove a claim of reasonable fear, a threshold critics argue complicates accountability.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Florida Woman Who Fatally Shot Man In Walmart Parking Lot After Arguing Over Parking Space Reportedly Will Not Be Charged
A Florida woman who fatally shot a man during an argument in the parking lot of a Walmart will not be charged. Melissa Payne fatally shot Bart Diguglielmo on Tuesday, June 30, during a dispute over a parking space in North Lauderdale.RELATED: Prayers Up! Mass Shootings In Chicago & Trenton, New Jersey Reportedly Leave 3 Dead [...]
Walmart parking feud turns deadly — but shooter won’t face charges under Florida law
BS BULLETIN: Broward County prosecutors say Melissa Payne will not be charged in the June 30 fatal shooting of Bart DiGuglielmo in a North Lauderdale Walmart parking lot. Prosecutors concluded Florida’s Stand Your Ground law protected Payne because video showed DiGuglielmo continuing to approach as she backed away and warned him not to come closer. DiGuglielmo’s family disputes the self-defense finding and says the use of deadly force was unreas…
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