Man accused of killing teen over music pleads not guilty

WTLV-TV | USATODAY

Jacksonville -- Michael Dunn, the software developer accused of killing a teenager in an argument over loud music, entered a plea of not guilty Monday to charges of first-degree murder.

Dunn, 45, was initially charged with second-degree murder in the Nov. 23 shooting death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis.

His new charges are first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder and shooting or throwing a deadly missile, according to Duval County Clerk of Courts records.

Police said Dunn parked at a Jacksonville gas station next to the vehicle where Davis was sitting with several other teens. Dunn complained about the loud music and they started arguing. Dunn told police he thought he saw a gun in the car. He then fired eight or nine shots into the vehicle.

Dunn was arrested Nov. 24 at his Brevard County, Fla., condominium.

Dunn's former attorney Robin Lemonidis said previously that her client acted in self-defense when he felt threatened for his life. She said one of the teens threatened to kill Dunn and that Dunn saw someone in the car flash a shotgun. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has said the teenagers were not armed.

Police also said that Dunn was in Jacksonville after attending his son's wedding. He fled the scene after the shooting.

Dunn's family has since hired Florida attorney Cory Strolla to represent Dunn, replacing Lemonidis. It's not clear if Strolla will use the state's "Stand Your Ground" law as part of Dunn's defense.

Florida was the first in the nation to enact "Stand Your Ground," which justifies the use of deadly force if someone fears death or great bodily harm regardless of where they are.

Davis' mother, Lucia McBath is petitioning the White House online to get the law repealed. White House staff will review the petition and issue an official response if 25,000 people sign it by Jan. 1, 2013. Davis' father, Ron Davis, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference also oppose the law.

"We don't have to stand by and watch more people be affected and more people dying because of it," said McBath.

(Contributing: The Associated Press)