The retired Tampa police captain accused of fatally shooting a man who was texting during a movie had every right to defend himself, his lawyer argued in court Tuesday.
But Curtis Reeves Jr., 71, who faces life in prison for the shooting at a Florida movie theater, was denied bail.
Pasco County Circuit Court Judge Lynn Tepper ruled that there was enough evidence to uphold the second-degree homicide charge against Reeves, and ordered him remanded into custody.
Reeves' lawyer, Richard Escobar, argued that he has a long list of credentials on the Tampa Police Department and as director of security for the Busch Gardens amusement park that he could be trusted to be let out of jail on bond.
“He’s been protecting the community from individuals that do commit crimes,” said Escobar, adding that he believes “his danger to the community is nonexistent.”
Escobar said the courtroom was filled with retired law enforcement willing to attest that his client has “no propensity whatsoever for violence.”
Pasco County sheriff’s department said Reeves fired a single round at 43-year-old Chad Oulson, striking him in the chest during a showing of the Mark Walhberg war movie, “Lone Survivor.”
The round also hit Oulson’s wife, Nichole, in the hand as she tried to pull her husband away, authorities said.
Reeves appeared via video from jail during the arraignment but didn't speak to the judge.