A fatal shooting on an Ocala roadway that claimed the life of a 37-year-old father of two is being investigated by authorities as a “Stand Your Ground” case.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives are currently investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of Troy Meeks on Thursday, November 6.
The suspect responsible for the shooting was brought in for questioning in connection with the incident. That individual, who remained on the scene and was cooperative when deputies arrived, was released after the brief detainment.
“Major Crimes detectives responded to begin their investigation into the shooting and interview the suspect. After the preliminary investigation, the suspect was released. The shooting is currently being investigated as a possible Stand Your Ground incident,” reads a statement issued from MCSO. “Major Crimes detectives are continuing to investigate and are working closely with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.”
On the day of the incident, MCSO received reports of Meeks driving recklessly in the 8200 block of SW 49th Avenue Road at around 6:05 p.m.
As deputies were responding to that scene, Meeks got into an altercation with another individual and was shot by the unidentified suspect.
MCSO was notified of the shooting while they were responding to the reckless driving call. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The state’s “Stand Your Ground” law , which was enacted over 20 years ago, removes the responsibility to leave a confrontation when using self-defense. Instead, it permits an individual to use reasonable and even deadly force to prevent death or great bodily harm to oneself or others in any place where a person is lawfully present.
Meeks, who just turned 37 in September, leaves behind a two-year daughter and a fifteen-year-old son. Meeks’ family has created a GoFundMe to support his two children. A celebration of Meeks’ life will be held on Sunday, November 23, at the Old Schoolhouse Community Center in Hernando.