Marissa Alexander says she stood her ground, now faces up to 25 years in prison

Since news of the tragic shooting of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin went viral, it has bought focus on Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, which allows those confronted by violence and fearing for their life to potentially take deadly action to protect themselves.

The Controversial Stand Your Ground Law

Due to this very same law, the man who admitted to fatally shooting Trayvon Martin was not arrested by city police citing the shooting was in self-defense. He was charged 44 days later with second-degree murder after a special prosecutor investigated the case.

There has a been a huge controversy over the law with many stating it’s a license to kill. But what happens when a person actually stands their ground?

Well here’s another case of Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law. However, in this case, self-defense might have rightfully been used.

Marissa Alexander

31-year-old Marissa Alexander, mother of three, currently sits in Duval County jail awaiting sentencing for three counts of aggravated battery.

Friend and ex-husband of Alexander told ActionNewsJax that she definitely doesn’t deserves to be there.

“She was a battered woman, I’ll just say that,” he said.

Alexander was arrested in August 2010 after police say she fired shots at her husband and his two children inside the home they shared.

But Alexander tells a different story. The mother says she fired the weapon in self-defense because she was approached by her husband in an unprovoked jealous rage while using the restroom.

“He assaulted me, shoving, strangling and holding me against my will. He prevented me from fleeing all while I begged for him to leave.” she says.

She goes on to explain several minutes of trying to escape, she was able to make it to the garage to her truck. She then realizes her keys were missing and was unable to open the garage due to mechanical failures. For protection against further assault, she retrieved her weapon which is registered and has a permit. She says she entered back into her home to either leave through another exit or to get her cell phone.

Self-defense from alleged abusive husband

Alexander says her husband and stepsons were supposed to leave out of the front door, but didn’t. “Instead of leaving thru the front door where his vehicle was parked outside of the garage, he came into the kitchen by himself.”

“I was terrified from the first encounter and feared he came to do as he had threatened. The weapon was in my right hand down by my side and he yelled, “B-tch I will kill you!”, and charged toward me. In fear and desperate attempt, I lifted my weapon up, turned away and discharged a single shot in the wall up in the ceiling. As I stood my ground it prevented him from doing what he threatened and he ran out of the home.”

No one was hurt when Alexander fired the weapon in the air to prevent her husband from attacking her. Her husband called the police and reported she shot at him and his sons. Her attorneys says she acted in self-defense. Moreover, that she was in fear of her life, defending herself with deadly force as permitted by Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.

Despite her well-documented previous claims of domestic abuse, a judge dismissed Alexander’s immunity under Florida’s stand your ground law.

Marissa Alexander Convicted

Alexander was not only arrested, but she was convicted. Next week, her family and attorney will ask for a new trial saying the justice system has failed her.

Alexander says that she is a “law abiding citizen” and just wants her voice heard in the hopes of bringing attention to her case.

“A step further and more importantly is in light of recent news, is justice for all include everyone, regardless of gender, race or aristocratic dichotomies,” she explains.

“I simply want my story heard and reviewed. The egregious way in which my case was handled from start to finish serve as an eye opener for all. Especially those responsible for upholding judicial affairs.”

To read more on the Marissa Alexander’s story and her account, visit here.