Florida murder suspect’s self-defense story unravels after victim found shot in the back
A Florida woman accused of killing her boyfriend in a shooting is claiming she acted in self-defense. However, her claims are now facing scrutiny as investigators say the man was shot in the back. The suspect is identified as Ashanti Brown, 23. She is charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of Ian Pleasant, 26, in Pensacola. Police say Brown gave conflicting accounts of what happened before allegedly attempting to tamper with evidence.
The case took a dramatic turn on Sept. 4 when Brown was removed from court after shouting about alleged abuse by Pleasant.
Brown was in court for a probable cause hearing when a detective was testifying. But she suddenly began yelling. According to the Pensacola News Journal, Brown shouted, “What about him beating on me?! He was beating my face! I didn’t do nothing.”
Deputies then dragged her from the courtroom. The judge continued the hearing without her and found probable cause for the charges. Brown had made a similar claim after the shooting. According to deputies, she was found at a hotel after receiving a report that a woman was threatening suicide.
Reportedly, she was crying when she told them she had killed Pleasant. According to the arrest affidavit, she said, “I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry. He hit me in the face. I’m going to prison.”
Brown first told investigators that Pleasant put a gun on a kitchen table during an argument. She said she grabbed it after he rushed toward her and asked, “what the f— are you going to do?” Police said she then fired. Brown later changed her account, saying Pleasant grabbed the gun first and that it went off during a struggle.
Investigators say the shooting happened after the couple attended a birthday party. Brown told police Pleasant had learned she was cheating on him. Police also say Brown did not call 911 after the shooting. Instead, she called a friend to help clean the apartment.
She then allegedly drove Pleasant’s car to a family friend’s home. According to the affidavit, along the way, she threw the gun and Pleasant’s phone from the vehicle. She also allegedly gave a doorbell camera to a man she said helped her.
However, that man denied helping dispose of evidence. Detectives said the location of the gunshot wound also raised doubts about Brown’s account, since Pleasant had been shot in the back. Brown also referred to Pleasant as her “best friend.”
As of now, she remains jailed in Escambia County without bond. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25.
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Original Article: Florida murder suspect’s self-defense story unravels after victim found shot in the back
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