RantCrush Top 5: July 21, 2017

Outrage was sparked after a video of teens laughing as they watched 31-year-old Jamel Dunn drown went viral. The video was filmed in Cocoa, Florida, and features five boys between the ages of 14-16. Dunn was struggling to stay afloat in a nearby body of water, and the teens recorded the incident. In the background, you can hear them commenting on the fact that he doesn’t seem to be doing well–saying things like, he’s “going to die.” At no point did the teens call the police or attempt to help the struggling man in any way. They also didn’t report the death. Dunn’s body wasn’t found until three days later, after his family had reported him missing.

Despite outrage over the teens’ behavior, the police commented that there isn’t anything that they can be charged with. There is no law in Florida that requires bystanders help someone in distress. But Dunn’s family is frustrated. His sister actually was the one who posted the video and shared it with media outlets, urging public accountability for the teens.

Here’s some of the audio, but be warned, it is graphic and contains NSFW language:

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.