miami state attorney, katherine fernandez rundle, had to sign off and she did so without hesitation.> revenge isn't tolerated anywhere in the system, even if it's understandable, and somebody might have some sympathy. >> reporter: there's kind of a push in that direction, isn't there? you ought to be able to kind of act out in your own defense. >> sometimes revenge is just an excuse, but it's a lousy excuse to kill somebody. you cannot do it. you will be held accountable. >> reporter: and the state of florida did hold cindy accountable. just before christmas 2010, she was charged with first degree murder. >> coming up, there was a dead man, an apparent confession, and a motive. but under florida law, was it murder? >> it was at that point in time that you shot him to protect yourself? >> yes, i did. i was in fear for my life. in my mind, he was there to kill me. me. >> when "dateline" continues. if yyou need to stay downeaway from it. call 911. let our first responders come out and handle it. police and fire will respond as well as pg&e. pg&e will make the scene safe. ♪ and you smell