A San Francisco jury has delivered a verdict that has reignited debates about crime, homelessness, and self-defense in the city. Garret Doty, a 25-year-old homeless man, was found not guilty on Friday of three assault and battery charges stemming from a violent altercation with businessman Don Carmignani in April 2023.
Self-Defense or Revenge? San Francisco Jury Finds Homeless Man Not Guilty in Controversial Case
The attack on Carmignani, who briefly served on a Fire Department commission, came just two days after the shocking stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee. Lee’s killing sparked outrage and criticism against city officials, with prominent tech leaders like Elon Musk blaming San Francisco’s “lax attitude toward crime” for the tragedy. A tech consultant currently awaits trial for Lee’s murder.
Carmignani’s assault, captured on surveillance video, further fueled the narrative of a city spiraling into chaos. However, Doty’s defense painted a different picture, arguing that he acted in self-defense after Carmignani sprayed him with bear spray. The video reportedly shows Carmignani spraying Doty before Doty chases him wielding a metal pipe.
Doty’s defense attorney, Kleigh Hathaway, argued that Carmignani had a history of aggression towards unhoused people, including Doty, whom he allegedly doused with bear spray on multiple occasions. “Self-defense can be fierce, it can be effective, and it can be disabling,” Hathaway stated. “And why wouldn’t it be? You’re fighting for your life.”
In a stark twist, Assistant District Attorney Kourtney Bell conceded during closing arguments that Carmignani indeed had a history of aggression, even suggesting he may have used bear spray on unhoused individuals in the upscale Marina District where he resides.
The conflict between Carmignani and Doty stemmed from Doty and two others setting up tents outside the home of Carmignani’s parents, who live next door to him. Carmignani claims he called 911 but received no response, prompting him to confront the group himself. He denies using bear spray, stating he only carried pepper spray for protection. “I didn’t go out there to fight anyone. I’m trying to get them down the road, go to the park,” Carmignani told a local television station.
The jury’s verdict in Doty’s case leaves a complex and unsettling image. While Carmignani’s alleged history of aggression towards unhoused individuals paints a disturbing picture, the video evidence seemingly supporting Doty’s self-defense claim raises questions about Carmignani’s own actions. In the backdrop of a city grappling with issues of homelessness and violence, this case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and nuances that often lie beneath the surface of seemingly clear-cut narratives.
The aftermath of this case will undoubtedly spark further discussions about issues of self-defense, homelessness, and public safety in San Francisco. It remains to be seen what impact this verdict will have on the city’s efforts to address these complex and ever-present challenges.
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