Officer Cleared in UPS Shooting After 'Stand Your Ground' Ruling; Victim's Family Vows Appeal

Judge Grants 'Stand Your Ground' Immunity

• ⚖️ A Broward judge has granted a stand your ground motion to dismiss for Miami-Dade Deputy Jose Matteo.
• 🚫 This ruling means the case against Matteo, who faced a manslaughter charge, is closed as the state did not disprove his use of force was unjustified.
• 🗣️ Matteo's lawyer stated that his client has been granted immunity, preventing the prosecution from proceeding.

Manslaughter Charges and the Shootout

• 🔫 The Broward State Attorney's Office had filed manslaughter charges against four officers, including Matteo, in connection with the 2019 shooting deaths of UPS driver Frank Ordonz and another victim, Rick Kutshaw.
• 🚗 The incident began when Frank Ordonz was kidnapped and led police on a chase that ended in a shootout.
• 🎯 A total of 220 rounds were fired by 20 officers from four agencies during the incident.

State's Intent to Appeal and Family's Reaction

• 🏛️ The Broward State Attorney's Office announced their intention to appeal the judge's decision.
• 💔 The victim's family expressed deep heartbreak and frustration, feeling the 'stand your ground' defense adds to their pain and offers no closure.
• ✊ Frank Ordonz's mother stated she will continue to fight for justice for her son and his daughters.

Future of Other Officers and Reinstatement Hopes

• 🤔 Questions remain about the future of the three other officers charged (Rulo Mirabal, Richard Santi, and Leslie Lee), with Matteo's lawyer predicting similar immunity rulings for them.
• 🛡️ Matteo, who was suspended, hopes for reinstatement to his department soon.
• 🤝 The victim's family is working closely with the State Attorney's Office on the appeal, seeking justice for the innocent bystanders killed.