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Dentmond Shooting Ruled Justifiable Homicide

Police shot and killed teenager Robert Dentmond at Majestic Oaks Apartments in March 2016. (WUFT News file photo)
Police shot and killed teenager Robert Dentmond at Majestic Oaks Apartments in March 2016. (WUFT News file photo)

The shooting of 16-year-old Robert Dentmond was ruled a justifiable homicide Wednesday by Alachua County Grand Jury, who issued a No True Bill to the case.

The jury said his death was the result of a lawful use of deadly force, but since the No True Bill was returned to the Court after hours, it will re-convene to issue a community report.

Dentmond was shot on March 20, 2016 in Majestic Oaks Apartments Complex after making a call to police saying he had an M16 rifle and that he wanted to shoot himself.

At the scene, Dentmond initially dropped his weapon and then retrieved it, walking toward the complex. Nine Alachua County deputies and Gainesville Police Officers fired at the teen after he ignored their orders to put down his gun.

Dentmond’s weapon was later found to be a replica of a semi-automatic assault rifle.

All the deputies and officers involved were assigned administrative duties until the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation was completed.

The Grand Jury has not completed its inquiry, so no further details can be released.

 

Victoria is a reporter for WUFT News who may be reached at 352-392-6397 or by emailing vtodd@ufl.edu.