Petitioners seek new law after viral video shows Brevard 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.

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.

 

 

 


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.

Recommended Videos