Cobb Theatres restricts media, family of deceased from entering movie theatre during controversial “Stand Your Ground” hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, FL. (February 23^rd 2017) – Cobb Theatres has announced to the State and Defense that they are restricting the media and other individuals from attending the viewing of the theatre as part of the controversial “Stand Your Ground” hearing that began this week. The case revolves around the incident in 2014 when Curtis Reeves shot and killed Chad Oulson in Theatre 10 following a dispute over texting.

Nicole Oulson, who was shot in her wedding finger by Reeves when reaching up trying to get his attention, has been attending the hearing alongside her attorney, TJ Grimaldi of McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi & Guito. It has been suggested that Cobb will have security at the door restricting entry to certain people, possibly including Mr. Grimaldi and Ms. Oulson.

The restriction is causing the media to file a suit of action with Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal.

“Cobb is trying to prevent everyone from seeing and being at the theater because there is a current lawsuit against them,” Ms. Oulson’s attorney TJ Grimaldi concludes. “They don’t want any negative light on them and are trying to prevent bad press against them for our civil suit.”

Thomas Peck, general manager for Cobb Theatres, was called to the stand Wednesday. In court, he testified that he spoke with Reeves, but could not give specific details of their encounter. Peck told the court, “I’m not trying to be evasive, but it’s been three years and there was a lot going on that day.”

Stand your ground, a highly controversial area of self-defense law, is being used by Reeves’ defense team. If the judge accepts this, Reeves will be immune from being charged and the State will not be able to prosecute him.

About McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi & Guito, P.A.

Established in 2006, McIntyre Thanasides is one of Tampa’s top 25 largest law firms, representing a wide spectrum of legal issues from criminal defense, complex business litigation, bankruptcy, personal injury and more.

Because our firm handles a wide variety of legal issues, for individuals and businesses alike, we’re the attorneys with whom you can have an enduring relationship, your lawyers for life. We can help you with your legal issues at work – a breach of contract case or asset acquisition – and we can help you with personal matters – your cousin’s DUI or brother’s personal injury case. We can also be an asset to your business – a commercial real estate transaction or a contract negotiation.

News contact:

TJ Grimaldi, Partner and Attorney

TJ@mcintyrefirm.com

813-266-1023