Florida prosecutors decline charges in fatal Walmart parking dispute

Broward County prosecutors have announced that Melissa Payne will not face charges for the fatal shooting of 62-year-old Bart DiGuglielmo during a parking dispute at a North Lauderdale Walmart on June 30. The decision was based on Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law, which provides immunity if a person reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.

According to a memorandum from the State Attorney’s Office, the confrontation began when Payne and DiGuglielmo, a retired Army staff sergeant, argued over a parking space. Witnesses and video footage, including recordings from cellphones and a Tesla, showed DiGuglielmo approaching Payne’s vehicle despite her repeated warnings that she would shoot if he continued to advance. Prosecutors noted that DiGuglielmo appeared ‘visibly angry’ and made gestures suggesting he might damage her vehicle.

DiGuglielmo, who was a decorated Desert Storm veteran and former ER trauma nurse, died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. A toxicology report later revealed the presence of amphetamines, THC, and an antidepressant in his system at the time of the incident. Prosecutors concluded that they could not disprove Payne’s claim that she reasonably feared for her safety and the safety of the infant in her vehicle.