Judge upholds manslaughter charges in fatal shooting of Bradenton man despite 'Stand Your Ground' defense

BRADENTON -- A judge will not dismiss manslaughter charges against a man based on the "Stand Your Ground" law in the fatal shooting of a Bradenton man, lawyers said Wednesday.

Jared L. Lakes, 28, is charged with manslaughter with a firearm for the July 2014 fatal shooting of Shawn McCoy, 28, in front of Lakes' residence in the 600 block of 25th Avenue West in Bradenton.

Lakes is out on $200,000 bond while he awaits trial.

Last July, defense attorney Peter Lombardo filed a motion asking a judge to dismiss charges against Lakes based on the "Stand Your Ground" law. The motion was first heard in September, but lack of time forced the hearing to be continued until October and then again to Jan. 8.

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Deno Economou indicated he was going to deny the request but was still preparing a written order.

The victim's family indicated it was happy the case would not be dropped based on the "Stand Your Ground" defense,

said his brother, Terry McCoy. "Finally, we are going to get some justice for our family," McCoy said.

Lombardo had argued during hearing Lakes had feared for his life because the victim was armed with a knife during the fatal argument.

"It goes without saying that it is disappointing," Lombardo said after the judge announced his decision.

The trial, initially set for trial in February, has been continued to June.

Lakes is next scheduled to appear in court June 7 for a docket sounding hearing.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 11:39 PM with the headline "Judge upholds manslaughter charges in fatal shooting of Bradenton man despite 'Stand Your Ground' defense ."