Case Details

The Incident

Steven Paul Colon, a 22-year-old resident, was shot and killed on September 24, 2022, in Osprey, Florida. David Ross Gregory was the shooter in this incident. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office investigated the case (#22-80828) but concluded it was a "justifiable homicide" under Florida's Stand Your Ground law.

Current Status

Despite compelling evidence that contradicts the Stand Your Ground determination, no criminal charges have been filed against David Gregory. The State Attorney's Office has acknowledged 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.

Gregory was the aggressor

• Both David and Amy Gregory admitted in testimony that David crossed over to Steven's side of the road
• Amy Gregory explicitly confirmed this critical fact
• This admission establishes David Gregory as the aggressor, as he encroached into Steven's personal space
• Under Florida law, the initial aggressor in a confrontation cannot claim Stand Your Ground immunity

Illegal firearm possession

• David 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 §776.012(1) explicitly disqualifies individuals engaged in unlawful activity from Stand Your Ground protection
• This single fact alone should have automatically disqualified any Stand Your Ground consideration

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 911 call reveals significant inconsistencies in the Gregory's account
• The investigation was procedurally flawed, biased, and failed to collect or preserve critical evidence

Prior threats and premeditation

• There is substantial evidence of premeditation
• Multiple witnesses confirmed prior threats by David Gregory against Steven
• These threats demonstrate a pattern of hostility that preceded the fatal encounter