An argument over a handicapped parking spot at Hart’s Landing fishing pier in Sarasota, Florida led to a fatal shooting on August 3, 2024. The dispute resulted in the death of Jonathan Lee Arias and charges of second-degree murder against Richard Minor, a 66-year-old left-leg amputee.
According to the Sarasota Police Department, the confrontation began when Arias, his wife, and a friend parked in a handicapped spot at the pier. Minor, who was parked in the adjacent spot, questioned whether Arias was handicapped and entitled to use the space.
Witnesses said that the situation intensified as Minor became agitated and antagonized Arias from a distance. After 15 minutes of verbal exchanges, Arias and his companions decided to pack up and leave. However, as Arias attempted to drive away, Minor continued to shout at him, which prompted Arias to stop his vehicle and approach Minor’s car.
“What’s your problem?” Arias asked, according to witnesses. Minor responded, “I’ll show you my problem,” before spraying bear spray through the open window of his vehicle. Arias then walked to the driver’s side door, at which point Minor fired several shots, striking Arias multiple times.
Witnesses reported hearing seven or eight gunshots. Arias’s wife and friend rushed to his aid, but Minor allegedly pointed a gun at them, threatening to shoot if they came closer. Officers arrived on the scene to find Arias unresponsive on the ground and Minor sitting in his car with his hands on the steering wheel. A gun was on his lap, and a second firearm was discovered under his seat.
Arias was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Minor was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. After being read his rights, Minor told officers that he had been drinking alcohol in his car since 11:30 a.m. and claimed that Arias had threatened him during the altercation.
Minor remains in the Sarasota County Jail without bond and his next court appearance is scheduled for September 13, 2024. Whether he will invoke the Stand Your Ground defense, a focal point of legal debate in recent years remains unclear.
