Goldey v. Fields

On June 30, 2025, in Miami, Florida, Marcus Fields fatally shot Emily Goldey during an altercation outside a shopping center. Fields claimed he perceived a threat and acted in self-defense, while witnesses stated the victim was unarmed and retreating. No criminal charges were filed due to the state's self-defense laws. The victim's father, Robert Goldey, subsequently filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Fields. The case proceeded in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, centering on whether Fields’ use of deadly force was reasonable. After a two-week trial, the jury found Fields liable, determining that his fear was unreasonable and his actions negligent.

The civil jury found Marcus Fields liable for wrongful death and awarded the plaintiff $8.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

The central dispute was whether Marcus Fields reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm, or whether the shooting constituted an excessive and negligent homicide, given conflicting evidence about the victim's actions and the perceived threat.

The verdict reignited national debate over self-defense laws and their intersection with civil accountability. Advocacy groups highlighted the case as a landmark for victims' families seeking justice when criminal charges are not filed, and it prompted legislative discussions in Florida about clarifying the duty to retreat before using lethal force in public spaces.