Texas police are currently conducting an investigation into the shooting death of a man outside of a stranger’s home. The man who allegedly shot him is not currently facing any state crime charges for the act, although that may change following the conclusion of the investigation. Ultimately, that decision will be left to a grand jury’s discretion.
A homeowner called 911 around 4 a.m. to report that an individual was attempting to enter his property. He said that, at first, the supposed trespasser rang the doorbell multiple times and then repeatedly knocked, demanding to be let in. Apparently worried for the safety of his wife and daughter, who were home at the time of the incident, the homeowner retrieved his gun and went outside.
He says he spotted the trespasser attempting to scale a fence and enter his backyard. When he ordered the man to stop, he reportedly refused. At that point, police say the homeowner shot the man once. Although the homeowner attempted to administer first aid while waiting for the authorities to arrive, the shot to the other man’s chest was fatal.
Although the local sheriff commented that he believes the homeowner likely acted within the law by protecting his home, the investigation has not yet concluded. It is still possible that state crime charges may be brought forward. With the possibility of charges looming, he may still benefit from being as prepared as possible. In some instances, individuals in Texas who are the subject of a criminal investigation choose to begin to construct a solid defense platform, alongside their legal counsel, before any charges have even been filed.
Source: wfaa.com, “Sheriff: Man who killed would-be home intruder ‘acted lawfully'”, Domingo Ramirez Jr., Monica Hernandez and Jim Douglas, Dec. 26, 2014
