MCSO deputy maintains he acted in self-defense.
Martin County (Treasurecoast.com) The Martin County deputy who shot and killed 47-year-old Jerry Richardson in Indiantown released an official statement Monday. He maintained that he acted in self defense.
Deputy John Welliever shot Richardson the night of Oct. 27.
On Nov. 3, Welliever gave an official statement to members of the State Attorney’s Office and investigators with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Snyder released some of what Welliever said to investigators on Monday.
“Deputy Welliever maintained that he fired his weapon in self-defense, that Jerry Richardson was armed with a large machete and that Deputy Welliever feared for his life and believed there was no alternative to the use of deadly force,” Snyder said. “He gives a clear and concise statement when Mr. Richardson advances, but for me to reveal that would be a violation of my agreement.”
