Judge again rules out self-defense in SC shooting

RIDGELAND, S.C. (AP) — A judge has refused to change his ruling that a manslaughter charge against a Lowcountry tow truck driver cannot be dismissed on grounds of self-defense.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports (http://bit.ly/xp6J ) Circuit Judge Markley Dennis Jr. decided at a Tuesday hearing to uphold the decision he made last week in the case of Preston Oates.

Under state law, self-defense shields people from prosecution when defending themselves in their homes, workplace or vehicles.

Oates’ attorneys argued their client was enforcing parking regulations in Bluffton on Christmas Eve 2010. They say Oates was forced out of his truck by 34-year-old Carlos Olivera, who threatened him and showed a handgun in a parking dispute.

Prosecutors say the argument was over and Olivera was walking away when he was shot five times.