Neighbors later said his behavior was bizarre and he was acting erratically. They feared he was on the verge of a mental breakdown in the days leading up to the attack.
Strother’s family questioned if deadly force was necessary, but authorities said the evidence showed clearly that he was a “substantial and immediate threat” to Deputy Bardes. Prosecutors cited Florida’s “stand your ground” law, which sanctions the use of force to stop a perceived threat of death or serious bodily injury, among the reasons that Russell’s conduct was considered justified.
