JUSTICE FOR DEONDRICK ANDERSON

The Tampa Bay community condemns Circuit Judge Frederick Mercurio's recent decision to

dismiss a second-degree murder charge against Jordan Glanz in the killing of Deondrick

Anderson. We demand that killer Glanz be held up to the letter of the law and face full

accountability for his actions.

Deondrick Anderson

Deondrick Alfonso Anderson was a 49-year-old teacher, a beloved son, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. Deondrick, who was born and raised right here in Bradenton, was also beloved by his AMIkids Manatee family, where he worked as a teacher. Deondrick spent time coaching Pop Warner football where he helped make sure under-privileged kids could participate. Deondrick earned a Bachelor’s from the University of South Florida and a Masters degree from Florida International University.

On July 10, 2024, Glanz struck Anderson's car in a parking lot in Bradenton. After requesting insurance information, Glanz spit in Anderson's face, prompting him to punch Glanz. A woman accompanying Glanz then passed him a gun and he shot Anderson in the abdomen. Anderson died at Blake Hospital following complications from his wound. This never should have happened. Deondrick Anderson was an exemplary figure to those around him. Over 200 people attended his celebration of life.

On May 21, 2025, Judge Mercurio ruled that the state had not proved its case against Glanz,

dismissing a second-degree murder charge via Stand Your Ground Immunity. However, one of the stipulations of such immunity is that the defendant not be engaged in criminal activity. Judge Mercurio noted that Glanz was driving with a suspended license, a criminal activity that would disqualify him from Stand Your Ground defense, but ruled in the killer's favor saying that prosecution did not demonstrate that Glanz could have retreated from a fight he began when he spat on Anderson.

Deondrick at his graduation from Florida International University

This miscarriage of justice was not investigated by a grand jury. Glanz also spent close to $200,000 on his defense in a so-called “justice” system where the side with more money often wins, especially in cases involving the murders of Black people. As in the case of George Floyd and many other Black people who have fallen victim to police or vigilante violence, the defense has painted a false narrative of Deondrick as an aggressive and violent man who started the attack and had intent to kill. Testimony from the hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by Deondrick makes clear that this narrative is untrue.

Join us to condemn Judge Mercurio and Jordan Glanz and demand justice for Deondrick

Anderson! When we say “No Justice, No Peace,” we mean that racism in the judicial system

must be fully eradicated and murderers like Jordan Glanz must be held fully accountable to the law.

Say his name!

Ruth Beltran, Community Organizer

Party for Socialism and Liberation

(@PSL Tampa Bay)

Tel. (315) 877-0674

Email: rmbeltran1@gmail.com