Nelson calls for DOJ probe into controversial Stand Your Ground shooting

CLEARWATER, Fla. (CBS12) — U.S. Senator Bill Nelson wants the Department of Justice to investigate Florida's latest controversial Stand Your Ground shooting.

The shooting happened outside a store in unincorporated Clearwater on July 19.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office declined to file charges against Michael Drejka who deputies said shot Markeis McGlockton during a confrontation over a parking space.

McGlockton reportedly went to the store to buy snacks for his children. Authorities said Drejka confronted McGlockton's girlfriend as she sat in a car in the parking lot. She told investigators McGlockton came to her defense and shoved Drejka to the ground.

Drejka then pulled a gun and shot McGlockton to death as his family watched, she told investigators.Surveillance cameras captured the shooting as well.

The sheriff's office did not arrest Drejka, citing the state's Stand Your Ground law, which allows people to protect themselves through the use of deadly force if they believe it necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.

"This was a cold blooded murder," said attorney Benjamin Crump at a news conference on Thursday who is representing McGlockton's family.

Drejka has a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Nelson's letter asked for the DOJ Civil Rights Division Criminal Section to open an investigation into the shooting.