Lancaster murder suspect wants immunity under ‘Stand your ground’ law

A Lancaster man facing murder charges for a 2013 killing is arguing that the case should be thrown out under South Carolina’s ‘stand your ground’ laws, according to court officials.

Allen Massey, whom jail officials say is 26 years old, has been in custody since his arrest after the death of Demarcus Robinson in October 2013. Massey and his lawyer, 6th Circuit Assistant Public Defender Mark Grier, asked for an “immunity” hearing for a judge to decide if the killing falls under state laws allowing people to defend themselves while under attack.

Prosecutors are opposing Massey’s attempt to use the stand your ground defense as a reason to have the case dismissed.

Court officials said the hearing before visiting Judge Craig Brown on Florence started this morning and could last through Tuesday.

This story was originally published March 30, 2015 at 1:34 PM with the headline "Lancaster murder suspect wants immunity under ‘Stand your ground’ law."