Michael Benza

“It's also possible both get self-defense.”

Michael Benza · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10

Benza said self-defense relies on subjective fear and perceived danger, so both men could get self-defense.

“The one defendant may be concerned that he will end up with jurors who are very pro-Republican or pro-Trump, which would create his concerns about a fair jury.”

Michael Benza · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10

Benza said one defendant may be concerned about getting pro-Republican or pro-Trump jurors.

“In Geauga County, where this happened, it is a very Republican-dominated county,”

Michael Benza · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10

Benza said the county's politics could complicate seating a jury.

“You go from OK, we're hitting each other... physically, punches are being thrown. Now you've pulled a weapon. You have now escalated this fight, which then justifies me escalating my response by then pulling my own gun and defending myself,”

Michael Benza · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10

Benza said introducing a firearm changes the legal footing of a physical scuffle.

“But you can't be the first one to draw the gun.”

Michael Benza · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10

Benza emphasized that the order of events in the confrontation greatly matters.

“The other defendant may want a pro-Trump jury because they would be so, well, he got what he deserved or something to that effect.”

Michael Benza · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10

Benza said the other defendant may want a pro-Trump jury.

“They could both be found at fault, which means neither of them would get self-defense,”

Michael Benza · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10

Benza said both men could be found at fault, meaning neither would get self-defense.