Dispute over Walmart parking lot space turns deadly after woman pulls out firearm. But the shooter won’t be charged, thanks to Florida law

A dispute in a Walmart parking lot turned deadly after a woman fatally shot a man. The pair had allegedly been arguing over a parking space before things escalated, leading to one death. However, on Thursday, prosecutors announced that the shooter would not face charges.

62-year-old Bart DiGuglielmo was shot and killed during the incident, which took place on June 30 in Florida. DiGuglielmo, an army veteran, had been arguing with Melissa Payne over a Walmart parking lot space. “The facts surrounding the June 30, 2026, homicide of Bart DiGuglielmo are as tragic as they are absurd,” wrote Stephen Zaccor, the Broward State Attorney’s Office Homicide Trial Unit Division Chief.

There were also multiple recordings of the incident, which gave police investigating the matter a clear picture of exactly what went down. According to ABC News, Payne had been driving her niece and niece’s baby when she got into a “brief stalemate” with DiGuglielmo over the parking space.

An argument outside Walmart escalated fast

DiGuglielmo left his vehicle in the through lane of travel and entered the store before returning shortly afterward. Witnesses claim they heard the 62-year-old tell Payne he was going to “mess her car up,” and “—- her s— up,” before driving away. He then exited his vehicle and began approaching Payne, with witnesses saying he looked “visibly angry.”

Payne then exited her vehicle, and footage shows the gun in her hand. She reportedly told DiGuglielmo, “If you keep coming up to me, I’m going to ——- shoot you!” Despite the warning, he continued to “aggressively approach.” Payne is seen backing up, but the veteran continued to walk towards her until she pulled the trigger.

Melissa Payne won’t face charges

Following the incident, Payne was taken into custody before being released shortly afterward. Payne claimed that she acted in self-defense, and police determined that her claims matched what was shown in the multiple recordings of the confrontation.

Zaccor cited Florida’s controversial “stand-your-ground” law, saying Payne had been “in a public place,” where she “had a right to be.” He added that Payne “had the right to stand her ground if she was in reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm.” It was decided that she would face no charges over the death of DiGuglielmo.

Online, many agreed with the decision. “She should not face any charges. He was advancing on her position.” Wrote one person on X. Meanwhile, another wrote that it was “Technically justified,” but claimed that “she wasn’t really in any danger.” Others argued that it sets a dangerous precedent regarding the stand-your-ground law that may negatively affect minorities more.