In 2017, Reeves's legal team attempted to use Florida's stand-your-ground law as the basis of his defense, which was initially rejected by the court.
[7] Reeves insisted that he killed Chad Oulson because he felt threatened by the younger, more physically fit individual.
[10] In 2017, a judge ruled that Reeves could not take shelter under the Florida's Stand Your Ground law,[11] a decision that would later be overturned on appeal,[12] leaving the determination of self-defense to the jury.
[6] During the trial, Reeves stated that the confrontation made him more afraid than anything else in his life, including his SWAT experience[14] and entire law enforcement career, but prosecutors disputed that statement.
[16] In 2022, the Oulson Family Foundation was established to provide funds for children who have been affected by gun violence, including counseling, medical attention, and college tuition.