News Summary
The trial of Lawrence Dority, charged with the second-degree murder of former NBA player Adreian Payne, has started in Orlando. Jury selection took place, and Dority claims he acted in self-defense during the incident involving Payne, who was allegedly unarmed. The trial, expected to last four days, will present contrasting narratives from both the defense and prosecution regarding the events leading to Payne’s tragic death.
Orlando, Florida — The trial of Lawrence Dority, accused of the second-degree murder of former Orlando Magic player Adreian Payne, has commenced in Orlando. The jury selection for the case began on Monday, with Dority facing serious charges that could result in life imprisonment, life probation, and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
The incident at the center of the trial took place on May 9, 2022, outside Dority’s townhouse located on Egret Shores Drive near Curry Ford Road. Dority claims he acted in self-defense, alleging that he felt threatened by Payne, who was reportedly at the townhouse with his girlfriend to mediate a situation between Dority and his own girlfriend. According to Dority, Payne threatened him and subsequently went inside to retrieve a firearm, prompting Dority to shoot.
In stark contrast to Dority’s claims, a witness reported that Payne was not behaving threateningly during the encounter. The court heard that Payne was unarmed at the time of the shooting and emphasized that he was trying to break up a domestic dispute. Authorities indicated that after being shot, Payne was taken to a local hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Judge Tynan presiding over the case reminded the court of the gravity of the charges against Dority. In addition to the potential life sentence, the legal consequences carry significant financial penalties. Dority had previously sought to have the case dismissed under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law; however, a judge ruled against this motion, allowing the trial to move forward.
Leading into the trial, Dority described Payne as intimidating due to his stature, standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall. He recounted that he shot Payne while believing he was reaching for a weapon. In anticipating the direction of the legal proceedings, the defense plans to call two witnesses, while the prosecution is expected to summon up to eight witnesses, highlighting the contrasting narratives surrounding the event.
The trial is scheduled to last approximately four days, allowing both sides to present their respective arguments. As proceedings unfold, it is likely that Payne’s legacy and the circumstances leading to his untimely death will come under scrutiny. He was only 31 years old at the time of the incident, remembered fondly for his accomplishments on the basketball court.
Prior to his passing, Adreian Payne had a notable sports career, playing a total of 107 NBA games for teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Orlando Magic. During his time in the league, he averaged four points and three rebounds per game, leaving an impactful yet brief legacy in professional basketball. His time at Michigan State University solidified his reputation as a significant player, showcasing his skills and athleticism in collegiate basketball.
The Orlando Magic organization expressed condolences following Payne’s death, highlighting his contributions as a two-way player. Family members attending the trial have described Payne as nonviolent and stated that he had no history of engaging in violent confrontations, which may play a critical role in how the courtroom dynamics evolve in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- WESH: Man Accused of Killing Former Orlando Magic Player
- Wikipedia: Adreian Payne
- Click Orlando: Orlando Magic Player’s Death Sparks Trial
- Google Search: Adreian Payne murder trial
- Sports Illustrated: Former Orlando Magic Player’s Murder Trial Set to Begin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawrence Dority
- Fox 35 Orlando: Trial Begins for Accused Orlando Magic Player Killer
- Google News: Adreian Payne
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
