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Judge Throws Out Manslaughter Charge for Miami-Dade Officer in UPS Hostage Shooting

The ruling finds prosecutors failed to meet the immunity standard, potentially reshaping the remaining prosecutions.

Overview

  • Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra granted Jose Mateo stand-your-ground immunity, dismissing the 2019 case.
  • The court said the state did not prove by clear and convincing evidence that Mateo lacked a reasonable belief that deadly force was necessary.
  • The Broward State Attorney's Office said it will appeal and will continue pursuing charges against the three co-defendants.
  • Investigators reported more than 200 shots were fired in the Miramar standoff, and FDLE concluded police bullets killed UPS driver Frank Ordoñez.
  • Bystander Richard Cutshaw also died from police gunfire that day, and no officers were charged in the deaths of the two robbers.