STAND YOUR GROUND CASE!

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Name: Free Bug
Address: Athens

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Bug's Story

Case Update August 26, 2026: Stand Your Ground Immunity Denied

On August 25, 2026, the court initially denied Cedric “Bug” Fuqua’s motion for immunity. The defense immediately filed a motion asking the court to alter, amend, or vacate that ruling, along with a supporting legal brief. Later that day, the judge acknowledged that the initial ruling was entered before the defense’s briefing period expired. The judge has taken the defense motion under advisement and stated that the immunity issue will be studied again after consideration of the defense brief. The original denial remains on the docket, but the request for reconsideration is pending.

Please continue to support Cedric and his family by sharing accurate information, following case updates, and contributing to his legal defense. We ask everyone to remain respectful and not contact witnesses, the judge, the prosecutor, or members of the other family.

Thank you to everyone who has stood with Cedric, attended the hearing, donated, shared his story, and supported his mother and family. Your continued support matters.

Case Update: Stand Your Ground Hearing Completed

On August 20, 2026, Cedric “Bug” Fuqua finally had the opportunity to present his defense during his Stand Your Ground immunity hearing.

After nearly two years in jail, this was an important day for Cedric and his family. For the first time, the defense was able to present its evidence, question witnesses, and allow Cedric’s side of what happened on September 7, 2024, to be heard in court.

From the family’s perspective, the hearing went extremely well.

Cedric and Rodney Testified

Both Cedric and Rodney took the stand and testified about what happened that day.

They remained composed throughout their testimony and during questioning by the Assistant District Attorney.

Cedric’s attorneys also questioned the lead investigator and addressed important facts surrounding the confrontation and shooting. The family felt the defense attorneys did an excellent job presenting their case and establishing key facts through the testimony.

One of the most notable aspects of the hearing was that the prosecution did not call a single witness or present independent evidence of its own. The State did, however, have the opportunity to cross examine the witnesses presented by the defense and make its arguments to the court.

Courtroom Cleared During Closing Argument

Near the end of the hearing, while Cedric’s attorney was delivering his closing argument, members of the deceased’s family stood up and began yelling, causing a disruption in the courtroom.

The courtroom was cleared as a result.

Unfortunately, Cedric’s family and supporters were unable to hear approximately the final five minutes of the defense’s closing argument. They were updated afterward about what occurred.

The Decision Is Now with the Judge

The Stand Your Ground hearing has concluded, but the judge did not issue an immediate ruling.

The judge is reviewing the testimony, evidence, arguments, and legal briefs submitted by both sides before making his decision.

The family was told a ruling was expected within approximately seven days of the August 20 hearing.

As of August 25, no ruling has been issued.

So once again, we wait.

But this wait feels different.

After nearly two years, Cedric finally had the opportunity to take the stand, tell his story, present his defense, and have the evidence heard by the court.

What Happens If Immunity Is Granted?

If the judge finds that Cedric proved he was legally justified in acting in self-defense or defense of another, the court can grant Stand Your Ground immunity from prosecution.

If immunity is denied, that does not mean Cedric has been found guilty or that his claim of self defense has been rejected for purposes of trial. He can still assert self defense and defense of another before a jury.

We Remain Encouraged

We do not know how the judge will rule, and we respect that he must carefully consider everything presented during the hearing.

But Cedric’s family left the courtroom feeling incredibly encouraged.

For nearly two years, they have waited for an opportunity for the facts supporting Cedric’s defense to be heard.

On August 20, that finally happened.

Thank You for Standing With Bug

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, donated, shared Cedric’s story, attended court, participated in livestreams, checked on Casey and the family, and continued standing beside Cedric throughout this process.

Your support has meant more than we can put into words.

We are now waiting for the judge’s decision.

Please continue to keep Cedric, Casey, and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers. We will share an update as soon as the court issues its ruling.

Stand Your Ground Hearing Scheduled for August 20, 2026

After nearly two years in jail without a trial, Cedric "Bug" Fuqua's case is approaching one of its most important milestones.

We are grateful to everyone who has continued to support Cedric and his family throughout this journey.

The court has scheduled Cedric's Stand Your Ground immunity hearing for August 20, 2026. This hearing represents one of the most significant stages of Cedric's case. The court will consider whether Cedric is entitled to immunity under Alabama's Stand Your Ground law.

This hearing is not a determination of guilt or innocence. It is a legal proceeding focused on whether Cedric's actions were justified under Alabama law.

Nearly Two Years in Jail

Cedric was only 17 years old when he was arrested in September 2024.

He has now spent nearly two years in jail awaiting the opportunity to fully present his defense before the court.

Throughout this entire time, his mother, Casey, has remained by his side in every way she can. Despite her unwavering support, she has not been permitted a single in-person visit with her son since his arrest. Nearly two years have passed without the ability to hug him, sit across from him, or simply spend time together face-to-face.

For nearly two years, Casey has fought every day for her son without once being allowed to embrace him in person. Whatever the outcome of this case, that is time no family can ever get back.

Our Purpose

Our goal has always been simple:

To ensure that Cedric receives the fair treatment and due process guaranteed to every person under our justice system.

We are not asking anyone to reach conclusions before the court hears the evidence. We simply believe every case deserves to be fully and fairly considered, especially when a young person's future is at stake.

Thank You

The support this family has received from people across Alabama and throughout the country has been incredible. Friends, neighbors, advocates, and complete strangers have taken the time to learn about Cedric's case, pray for his family, attend livestreams, and help share his story.

Your encouragement has reminded Casey and Cedric that they are not facing this alone.

As August 20 approaches, we respectfully ask that you continue to keep Cedric and his family in your thoughts and prayers, continue sharing his story, and continue encouraging others to learn about the case.

Thank you for standing with Cedric and believing that every person deserves a fair hearing.

What Happened on September 7, 2024

On September 7, 2024, Cedric "Bug" Fuqua was at Fifth Avenue Park in Athens, Alabama, supporting his girlfriend's cheer fundraiser. The park pavilion had been properly rented through the City of Athens, and the event began as a normal community gathering.

Cedric was 17 years old.

What began as a typical afternoon quickly changed.

According to the defense, two adult men who were not residents of the nearby apartment complex came to the area looking for a confrontation over a prior issue that did not involve Cedric. Threats were made, and calls for help were placed to both 911 and the non-emergency line.

According to information currently available to the defense, no law enforcement officers responded before the confrontation escalated.

According to the defense, approximately an hour later violence broke out near the apartment complex adjacent to the park. During the altercation, one of the men produced a firearm and shot another individual who was on the ground attempting to get away.

Tragically, a life was lost that day.

Our hearts remain with the family affected by that loss. No one wanted this outcome.

According to the defense, another firearm became separated from its owner during the struggle. Believing he and others were in immediate danger, Cedric picked up that firearm and fired.

There is, however, more to the story.

According to information presented by the defense in court filings, the firearms involved did not belong to Cedric. He did not bring a weapon to the scene and had never owned one.

Cedric was taken into custody that day.

He has remained there ever since.

He is now 19 years old.

Since his arrest, Cedric has:

Spent nearly two years in custody awaiting trial.
Missed his junior and senior years of high school.
Lost irreplaceable time with his family.
Been unable to receive a single in-person visit from his mother.

Three days after the incident, the charge was elevated to capital murder based on the alleged presence of a child under the age of 14. According to the defense, Cedric had no knowledge that a child under 14 was present in the area.

Cedric deserves the opportunity for the full facts of that day to be heard.

His family believes he acted out of fear for his life and the safety of others during a rapidly escalating and dangerous situation.

They are seeking the resources needed to ensure his case is fully investigated and properly represented.

As the August 20 Stand Your Ground hearing approaches, we respectfully ask you to continue sharing Cedric's story, praying for his family, and helping ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn about the facts of this case before drawing conclusions.

Disclaimer

This website reflects the defense's understanding of the events based on information currently available. Certain facts remain disputed and will ultimately be determined through the judicial process. Evidence supporting these statements is expected to be presented in court.

#FreeBug

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