A Florida woman who fatally shot a man during a confrontation over a parking space at a Walmart in North Lauderdale will not face criminal charges, prosecutors have determined.
Melissa Payne shot Bart DiGuglielmo during the June 30, 2026, confrontation. After reviewing surveillance footage, cellphone videos and witness accounts, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office concluded that Payne was protected from prosecution under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
Parking Dispute Escalated Into Fatal Confrontation
According to prosecutors, Payne was at the Walmart with her niece and her niece’s infant when she and DiGuglielmo attempted to park in the same space.
DiGuglielmo eventually left his vehicle and went into the store while Payne parked. About 90 seconds later, he returned and allegedly made threats about damaging Payne’s vehicle before driving to another area of the parking lot.
Investigators said DiGuglielmo then walked back toward Payne’s vehicle. Witnesses described him as angry and visibly shaking.
Payne got out of her vehicle carrying a phone and a firearm. She repeatedly warned him not to approach her or her car. Video reviewed by investigators showed DiGuglielmo continuing toward her despite the warnings.
At one point, he appeared to gesture toward Payne’s vehicle with his keys. Payne then fired one shot, striking him in the abdomen. DiGuglielmo was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Prosecutors Say Stand Your Ground Law Protects Payne
Payne was briefly detained after the shooting and told investigators she had acted in self-defense. Prosecutors later reviewed multiple recordings of the incident and determined that the evidence did not meet the legal standard required to overcome her self-defense claim.
Under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, a person may use deadly force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. Prosecutors said the state had to establish with clear and convincing evidence that Payne’s fear was not reasonable.
After reviewing the evidence, officials concluded they could not meet that burden. Payne therefore received immunity from prosecution and will not face criminal charges in connection with the shooting.
Victim’s Family Disagrees With Decision
DiGuglielmo’s family has expressed disappointment over the decision not to prosecute Payne.
His daughter previously described him as a devoted father and grandfather who had served in the Army and worked as an emergency room trauma nurse. The family has disputed the characterization of the shooting as justified self-defense.
Their attorney argued that threats involving a vehicle or property should not by themselves provide grounds for using deadly force.
The case has drawn attention to Florida’s Stand Your Ground law and the difficult legal questions that can arise when a confrontation escalates rapidly from a seemingly minor dispute into a fatal shooting.
