Jordan Davis’ father on his son’s death, a new documentary, and why black lives matter

By Katie Couric

Video Produced by Brian Prowse-Gany

I first met Ron Davis when he appeared on my talk show in February 2014. Just days before, 47-year-old Michael Dunn had been convicted of three counts of attempted murder in what had come to be known as the “loud music trial.” The jury had failed to reach a verdict on the first-degree-murder charge in the death of Ron’s son, 17-year-old Jordan.

Ron and his ex-wife and Jordan’s mother, Lucia McBath, spoke with me about their son, a popular, athletic, fun-loving teenager who died Nov. 23, 2012, after Dunn fired 10 rounds at Jordan and his three friends following a fight about loud music coming from their SUV in a Jacksonville, Fla., parking lot. The incident ignited public debate over Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law after Dunn claimed self-defense, asserting he felt his life was in danger.

I was moved by Ron’s and Lucia’s strength, their tremendous love for their son and their grace through this tragedy.

During a retrial in October 2014, jurors unanimously found Dunn guilty of first-degree murder for Jordan’s death, and he was sentenced to life without parole plus 90 years.

I spoke with Ron again this summer at the Aspen Ideas Festival, where he was screening the documentary “3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets.” Once again, I was moved by his strength and how he has continued to persevere, becoming a powerful voice for racial equality in the justice system.

Ron is one of the most impressive and intelligent people I’ve ever met. He has become a leader in his community and throughout the country, helping other teens pursue a higher education with the Jordan Davis Foundation.

On Monday, Nov. 23, the third anniversary of Jordan Davis’ death, “3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets” will premiere on HBO. I was grateful to have the opportunity to sit down with Ron again to talk about the intentions behind the film, the current state of race relations in America and how Jordan’s memory lives on.

“3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets” debuts Monday, Nov. 23, 9-10:30 p.m. ET/PT, on HBO and will also be available on HBO NOW and HBO GO.