Family of Deondrick Anderson Demands Justice After "Stand Your Ground" Ruling in Fatal Bar Shooting
Supporters of 49-year-old Deondrick Anderson gathered Monday on the steps of the Manatee County Courthouse, demanding justice after a judge ruled that the man who fatally shot him in a bar parking lot acted in self-defense under Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law.
Anderson, a father, grandfather, and longtime educator, was shot and killed in July 2024 following a fender bender in the parking lot of the Oneco Rose Bar on Cortez Road. According to court records, a dispute between Anderson and 27-year-old Jordan Glanz escalated after the minor crash, ending with Glanz firing a single fatal shot to Anderson’s torso before fleeing the scene.
Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio ruled last month that the state's evidence did not meet the burden required to proceed to trial. Glanz claimed he feared for his life during the confrontation and was granted immunity under Florida’s “stand your ground” statute.
Family members and community supporters expressed outrage at the courthouse rally, calling on prosecutors and the public to reconsider the circumstances of the case. Angela Anderson, Deondrick’s mother, addressed the crowd, urging accountability and pleading for the case to be reopened.
State Attorney Ed Brodsky stated that his office disagreed with the judge’s interpretation and had already filed a motion to appeal the decision. Brodsky said the shooting was unjustified, and his office believes appellate review is warranted to re-examine the legal grounds for dismissal.
The demonstration was peaceful but emotionally charged, as friends and former students of Anderson remembered him as a mentor and community leader whose life was cut short.
Supporters say they plan to continue advocating for legislative reform and public awareness around how Florida’s self-defense laws are applied in violent confrontations.