Transcript for Judge denies "stand your ground" defense in Florida movie-theater shooting

But we'll start here with a retired police officer who will now stand trial for the fatal shooting of a man inside of a movie theater. That's after a judge denied his stand your ground defense. ABC's Steve osunsami has reaction to the ruling. Reporter: The decision from this Florida court means this retired police officer is a step closer this morning to standing trial for murder. What did you do with that pistol? I shot him. Reporter: 74-year-old Curtis reeves does not dispute that he shot and killed 43-year-old Chad oulson during an argument at this Florida movie theater in 2014. In the bottom right-hand corner of this surveillance video you see the shooting. Why did you shoot him? At that point it was my life or his. Reporter: He says he fired in self-defense. He was standing his ground that oulson was younger and taller. He was getting ready to punch me. I perceived that at sought P.M. Reporter: The judge hearing it didn't buy it saying in her decision his conduct demonstrated he was not afraid of the alleged victim. The defendant, she says, initiated contact on at least three occasions and was not concerned about leaving his wife there alone when he went to talk to the manager. In video from the theater you see reeves leave his wife to go out and talk with that manager. Complaining that oulson was using his cell phone. Oulson's wife sitting next to him says he was using the phone to reach their baby-sitter and it was during the movie previews. She was shot in the hand by the bullet that killed her husband. He was steps above us. The other guy, he was towering over us. How is that a threat? Reporter: Attorneys for reeves say they have no further comment this morning but are definitely appealing this decision. The oulsons say they were expe expecting this and at trial she will testify. I think they'll do everything and anything they can in order to delay that criminal trial, not only because of his age but because they want memories to fade more. They want to be able to create more gaps and holds. Reporter: For "Good morning America," Steve osunsami, ABC news, Atlanta.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.