Griffin Heights Double Homicide Ruled Self-Defense by State Attorney

The State Attorney ruled the January double homicide at Griffin Heights Apartments as a self-defense case, and no charges will be filed unless new evidence emerges. Two young men, Karlik Glenn and Malachi Hodges, were shot and killed, but the investigation concluded it was a situation of self-defense.

TALLAHASSEE, FL (2-minute read) — The State Attorney’s Office has determined that the double homicide in January at Griffin Heights Apartments falls under the Stand Your Ground law, and no charges will be filed at this time.

Karlik Glenn, 19, and Malachi Hodges, 16, were shot and killed on the night of January 17, as reported by the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD). While the case is currently closed, charges can still be brought if new evidence comes to light.

According to a TPD news release, “An altercation occurred which resulted in the victim shooting Glenn and Hodges out of self-defense.” The release further stated, “This case has been closed and no additional updates will be provided.”

Officers responded to the apartment complex at 1010 Basin Street shortly after 10 p.m. on January 17 to find Glenn and Hodges suffering from gunshot wounds. Initial findings indicated there was no ongoing threat to the public, as it was an isolated incident and all involved parties were immediately identified. Glenn and Hodges were transported to the hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

Understanding Stand Your Ground

Florida’s Stand Your Ground law allows individuals to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others. This law has been the subject of significant debate, as it removes the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense.

Safety Tip: Always store firearms securely when not in use to prevent unauthorized access. Use gun safes or lock boxes and ensure firearms are unloaded before storage.