The Office of State Attorney William “Bill” Eddins today announced that the review of the October shooting incident by Michael Patterson on Bent Tree Road in Milton that resulted in the death of Marcus Indigo Mullinax has been completed, and Patterson’s action was determined to be justified.
“This review determined that the use of force by Patterson was reasonable and justified under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, and no criminal charges will be filed,” stated a news release. No further action will be taken by the State Attorney’s Office.
“Based on the applicable law, Michael Patterson was justified in using deadly force in that he reasonably believed that such force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily hard to himself or the occupants of his home or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. Under the circumstances, Patterson had no duty to retreat and had the right to stand his ground,” stated Assistant State Attorney James Parker.
During the course of the review investigators reviewed 9-1-1 calls, autopsy reports, recorded statements of the Patterson family and other evidence.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, Patterson and his family were inside his East Milton residence around 12:30 a.m. on October 21 when he was awakened by “banging and screaming” on his front porch. Patterson’s elderly parents and teenage son were inside the home at the time.
Patterson reported going to the door to ask what the suspect wanted but was unable to understand him. It was reported that the intruder was shaking the door knob. The disturbance woke up Patterson’s mother, who called 9-1-1.
Patterson retrieved a 30-30 rifle and exited the rear of the home before walking around front to see a man he did not know, later identified as Mullinax, holding a baseball bat, attempting to enter the home.
After noticing the front door was ajar and fearing for the safety of his family members, Patterson ordered Mullinax to stop as he was entering the doorway. The intruder instead raised the bat and began walking toward Patterson, who fired one shot, striking Mullinax’s chest and causing him to fall backwards inside the front door.
Patterson’s brother arrived on scene and both men performed CPR and tried to stop the bleeding until deputies arrived. 39-year-old Mullinax was placed inside an ambulance died before being transported.
Officers found an aluminum bat and metal pipe at the scene.
Neighbors of Mullinax also reported that he had acted “strange” when he knocked on their door around midnight, stating men were after him and someone had shot into his travel trailer. It was reported that he appeared paranoid and extremely agitated.
Additionally, it was later discovered that Mullinax and Patterson had attended grade school together, although it is believed they had not seen each other since that time.
