On September 24, 2022, 22-year-old Steven Paul Colon was shot and killed in Osprey, Florida by David Ross Gregory. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) declared the homicide justified under Florida's Stand Your Ground law, despite significant evidence suggesting otherwise.
Key Facts
Gregory was the aggressor
Both David Gregory and his wife Amy admitted in testimony that David crossed over to Steven's side of the road. This admission establishes Gregory as the aggressor, fundamentally disqualifying any self-defense claim.
Illegal firearm possession
Gregory did not have a valid concealed carry permit at the time of the shooting. This constituted a felony under Florida law (2022). Florida Statute ยง776.012(1) explicitly disqualifies individuals engaged in unlawful activity from Stand Your Ground protection.
Contradictory evidence
The forensic evidence directly contradicts Gregory's account of a close-range struggle. Multiple witnesses heard two gunshots, not one, suggesting excessive force. The investigation was procedurally flawed, biased, and failed to collect or preserve critical evidence.
The State Attorney's Office has acknowledged that "there has been a miscarriage of justice," yet procedurally requires the SCSO to reopen the case before charges can be filed. This has created a cycle of inaction where neither agency takes responsibility for moving the case forward.
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