Former Lakeland Commissioner Receives 3-Year Prison Sentence: Reports

LAKELAND, FL — A former Lakeland City Commissioner received a three-year prison sentence on Monday for killing a homeless man in 2018, multiple outlets reported.

Michael Dunn shot a homeless man who had stolen a $15 hatchet from the store Dunn owned, Vets' Army and Navy Surplus, WTVT said.

Dunn pleaded guilty in March to manslaughter with a gun, WFLA reported.

Dunn was indicted for second-degree murder. For a lesser charge, he took manslaughter with a firearm.

Surveillance video provided by the Lakeland Police Department to TV outlets shows Dunn grabbing the victim as he goes out the door and then pointing the gun at the victim.

Police said the victim died at the shooting location.

The victim was shot twice in the torso.

“Self defense is always tough to prove," Mark O' Mara, defense attorney, told reporters after the plea hearing, according to WFLA. "The video both helped and hurt."

Additionally, a Polk County judge sentenced Dunn to 10 years probation and 200 hours of community service.

Dunn faced up to 17 years in prison, multiple outlets reported.