Lives were changed forever on September 13th.
Today, we are thinking of everyone else who was near the steps of Percy Warner Park on September 13.
This was an active shooter situation — everyone's worst nightmare. And in a neighborhood park no less, a place that we all consider to be a safe, peaceful haven.
The trauma is still fresh for all of these people who witnessed Duke's killing. Our community is hurting.
The only thing that can make this situation right is justice and change.
There must be legal ramifications for shooting an innocent dog in a public park. We must show everyone that completely unnecessary violence and death do not make for a civilized community.
#Justice4Duke
Duke's Last Steps
This is where Duke took his last steps, sniffed his last smells, and got his last pets.
Percy Warner Park is a place Duke frequented with his owners. It was his neighborhood park, his safe place. He had been going since he was just a little pup.
He loved meeting people and showing off his training. He was trained in obedience and would lie down when a child or human approached him. Little kids would often come up and pet and kiss him — he loved that!
This was his sanctuary and we know it was for so many other families and dogs. That sense of peace and safety has since been taken. We need justice. #Justice4Duke
Justice for Duke
The central question in this case ⬇️
Whether or not Duke showed any aggression. This is what the DA and police are investigating.
In order for the shooter to be protected by the self-defense argument, he must have been presented with a sufficient threat to use lethal force.
Duke was not an aggressive dog.
If you knew Duke or even if you just met him in passing, please call and give a statement about your experience with him.
District Attorney Glen Funk:
@district_attorney_nashville
📞 (615)862-5500
📧 [email protected]
Metro Nashville Police Dept. - West Precinct
@metronashvillepolice
📞 (615)862-7747
Duke’s actions will defend him from the grave.
#Justice4Duke
Senator Heidi Campbell Speaks Out About Duke's Killing
If this case isn’t prosecuted, what does that mean for other dog owners in Nashville?
Does it mean that anyone who is afraid of dogs can use their fear to justify killing people’s pets?
Does it mean people should think twice before taking their dog out to enjoy nature outside of their own property?
Does it mean pet owners must be on high alert at all times in case someone decides that their dog deserves to be shot?
Duke’s case sets a precedent. If there is no action taken to prosecute this case, it sends a clear signal to dog owners across the state: Anyone has the right to shoot your dog at any time.
So many people are still fighting for Duke. We will not give up.
Thank you, @campbell4tn, for being the voice of your constituents and shedding light on what has been happening on the ground since Duke’s killing. And thank you @wpln for bringing this story back into the spotlight.
Has what happened to Duke affected where you take your dog in public?
#Justice4Duke
#JusticeforDuke
THE FACTS ⬇
On September 13, Duke was walking down the stairs after a trail hike with his owners in Percy Warner Park when he was shot and killed.
The shooter claimed he “feared for his safety,” but cited only that the dog got “too close.” Since then, multiple eyewitnesses have come forward and claimed that the dog showed absolutely no form of aggression towards him.
Nonetheless, there is still the question: is there justifiable evidence that the shooter was acting in self defense?
Let’s look at the law. There are several common misconceptions about self defense and the use of deadly force:
1️⃣ While there is no duty to retreat before using force, one cannot be the initial aggressor and must only act in self-defense or in the defense of others.
2️⃣ The force employed must be EQUAL to and PROPORTIONATE to the threat.
3️⃣ If employing deadly force in self-defense, there must be a legitimate fear of imminent severe bodily injury or death.
4️⃣ That belief of imminent severe bodily injury or death has to be real and must be based on reasonable grounds.
In Duke’s case, the shooter fails the test of sufficient imminent threat, actual or perceived. He sought no alternative to de-escalate or flee from the alleged threat, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, he failed the requirement to use proportionate force against said threat.
The DA’s office is asking for MORE eye-witness testimony in order to pursue this case.
If you witnessed Duke’s killing, PLEASE do the following:
➡️ Email your statement to the DA ([email protected]) and the Police ([email protected])
➡️ Make sure to include the subject line: DUKE WITNESS STATEMENT. Their emails have been flooded, so this is really important!
➡️ Then please call to confirm they have received it.
DA: (615)862-5500
West precinct: (615)862-7747
#Justice4Duke
Keep Fighting for #Justice4Duke
There is hope that we see #Justice4Duke, and that is due ENTIRELY to the incredible people out there who are continuing to fight and refusing to let Duke's death be in vain.
Thank you for your incredible outpouring of love, support, and action taken by all of you. We cannot tell you how grateful we are!
The wheels of justice move slowly, and sticking to the cause is the key to seeing results.
Keep pushing.
Keep fighting.
Keep sharing.
Keep speaking.
Keep demanding justice.
This is for Duke.
Thank you @ariana_kaufman_ for being an instrumental fighter for this cause!
...
WE NEED YOUR HELP! ⬇️
If you were in Percy Warner Park on September 13 and saw this gunman shoot Duke, we ask that you PLEASE submit a statement to the Nashville Police and DA's office! This is our only hope for bringing #Justice4Duke.
➡️ Email your statement to the DA ([email protected]) and the Police ([email protected])
➡️ Make sure to include the subject line: DUKE WITNESS STATEMENT. Their emails have been flooded, so this is really important!
➡️ Then please call to confirm they have received it.
DA: (615)862-5500
West precinct: (615)862-7747
A Family Friend Speaks About Duke
This is who Duke was.
Never an aggressor, never a threat, never out of control.
He was a gentle, sweet, and incredibly well-trained family pet who lived in a body that one person with a gun deduced (with ZERO evidence) was a creature to be feared.
For no good reason, this person took Duke's life.
His family will never get to feel his warm fur, scratch his belly, or kiss his nose ever again.
Duke was killed in cold blood, and still no charges have been brought against the gunman.
We cannot rest until there is #Justice4Duke. Please share this post and call these numbers to demand that there is a fair investigation into this killing ⬇️
District Attorney Glen Funk:
@district_attorney_nashville
📞 (615)862-5500
📧 [email protected]
Metro Nashville Police Dept. - West Precinct
@metronashvillepolice
📞 (615)862-7747
Jason Tartick on Meeting Duke
#Repost from @jason_tartick ⬇️
We are so glad that you got to meet Duke and so grateful to you for sharing his story.
Like Jason said, Duke was special. He was gentle, kind, and sweet. He was also highly trained in restraint and obedience. He has NEVER posed a threat or shown aggression to anyone, dog or human.
If you had the pleasure of knowing or have ever seen Duke in any setting, park, road, trail, etc, please SPEAK UP and SHARE YOUR STORY!
There are two good ways to do this ⬇️
1️⃣ Call and email the Metro police (contact info is in the link in our bio) and make a statement about your experience with Duke and his character.
2️⃣ Send us your stories on @justice4duke via DM. The more stories and perspectives we can share, the better!
We have to keep fighting if we want to see #Justice4Duke.
Justice4Duke
Thank you for speaking out and taking action! #Repost from The Asher House ⬇️
Duke was a highly trained shepherd, and the sweetest dog you have ever met. The act was unprovoked and premeditated. Duke was being pet by a stranger five seconds before he walked up to a man to say hello and the man shot and killed him for no reason at all!
The police came, spoke to the shooter and he was allowed to walk away shortly after with his gun and no charges at all. Multiple witnesses who petted Duke saw what happened and cannot understand how there hasn’t been justice for this innocent dog and his family.
#Justice4Duke 🙏🏽 I strongly believe felony charges should be brought on the suspect, what do you think? Please bring light to this as no one is talking about it and I believe this man will do it again.
🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻
If you agree with Lee Asher, please speak up and take action! Share Duke’s story using the hashtag #Justice4Duke and visit linktr.ee/justice4duke to sign the petition and contact local authorities!
Justice4Duke
Repost from Wirth Campbell — thank you for shedding light on Duke’s character and gentle nature! This was a HIGHLY TRAINED dog who prided himself in his obedience and restraint (and loved showing it off every chance he got)! He loved little kids, was always friendly to other dogs, and would never pose a threat to another human unless someone was physically threatening his owners.
If you had the pleasure of knowing or have ever seen Duke in any setting, park, road, trail, etc, please SPEAK UP and SHARE YOUR STORY!
Call and email the Metro police (contact info: https://linktr.ee/justice4duke) and make a statement about your experience with Duke and his character.
#Justice4Duke