Judge rejects self-defense argument

South Florida judge rejects stand your ground argument in road rage case

Published On: Nov 16 2012 10:00:29 AM EST   Updated On: Nov 16 2012 02:16:14 PM EST
James Wonder
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -

A South Florida judge has rejected a Miramar man's claim that he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot an off-duty federal agent outside a post office.

Judge Bernard Bober issued a written ruling Thursday.

Charged with manslaughter, 69-year-old James Wonder had been seeking immunity from prosecution under Florida's stand your ground law. Police say Wonder shot 52-year-old Donald Pettit, an agent for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.

The shooting happened after a shouting match between the two as they were driving in Pembroke Pines on Aug. 5, 2008. Wonder pulled into the post office parking lot, and Pettit followed, confronted Wonder near his vehicle.

Defense attorneys say Wonder felt he was in danger. He can still make his self-defense case to a jury, but no trial date has been set.

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