Trial Begins for Man Accused of Killing Former Orlando Magic Player

The murder trial of Lawrence Dority, charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of former Orlando Magic player Adreian Payne, has begun in Orlando, Florida. Dority claims self-defense under Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law, asserting that Payne threatened him and appeared to reach for a gun, though investigators found Payne unarmed. Payne, who was 31 at the time of his death, had a brief NBA career including a stint with the Orlando Magic and a notable collegiate career at Michigan State. The shooting occurred when Payne attempted to mediate a domestic dispute involving Dority and his girlfriend. The trial, presided over by Circuit Judge Greg A. Tynan, is expected to last four days and involves testimony from multiple witnesses for both defense and prosecution. Payne's family has attended the trial, maintaining that he was not a violent person, while Dority faces potential life imprisonment if convicted.