Murder charges dropped in Palmetto shooting(FL)

MANATEE -- Murder charges will not be filed against Tavarious China Smith in connection to a fatal shooting outside Club Elite in Palmetto, according to the office of State Attorney Earl Moreland. Smith acted in self defense Dec. 19 when 23-year-old Breon Mitchell was killed from a gunshot wound to the torso, the State Attorney’s Office has determined. Instead, Smith, 28, will face a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon. “The State Attorney’s Office is following case law and we respectfully understand their decision,” said Palmetto Police Chief Rick Wells. “He is a convicted felon and therefore...   (More)