Petitioners seek new law after viral video shows Florida man drowning 15,000 signatures collected to ask for new law
COCOA, Fla. – There's a new push to get results after a man drowned in a Brevard County lake and police say a group of teens simply stood by and laughed.
News 6 has learned that a petition asking Florida to create a "duty to rescue law" has gathered more than 15,000 signatures.
The petition was started after a video showing five teens recording Jamel Dunn drowning in Cocoa and not helping went viral.
The 31-year-old's body was found five days later.
Currently, there is not a state law that makes it illegal to stand by and not help someone in distress.
Cocoa's police chief wants the teens to face an obscure charge of failing to report a death.
The department turned the case over to the state attorney's office. It's not known when a final decision will be made.
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About the Author Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.
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