I think the other poster was correct in pointing out is isn’t (or doesn’t appear to be) that way from the known story. He was apparently helping the child (who IS a victim in all of this) and was set upon by two black men who attacked him.
Whether he was or was not a police officer off-duty is irrelevant, in my opinion.
The fact is, they DID attack him, and he DID shoot one of them in self-defense.
I do think the detail makes a big difference.
I don’t think you can claim self-defense - when you go into the neighbourhood, nearly kill the kid and the father comes out.
The father was justifiably provoked, IMO.
He did injure the kid after all!