The man accused of killing former Michigan State basketball star Adreian Payne in Florida on Monday told police he felt threatened by the 7-foot Payne and that he was “justified” in shooting the former NBA player.
According to an affidavit filed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, 29-year-old Lawrence Dority said he was “intimidated” by Payne’s size and believed Payne had a weapon as they spoke near a car outside of a residence in Orlando. That’s when Dority said he went inside the home, retrieved a gun, and shot Payne one time.
Based on the investigation, the affidavit states Dority committed premeditated murder, and that probable cause exists to charge Dority with first-degree murder with a firearm.