[StoneGiant]

The Deacon's lucky he didn't end up in jail.

Most states allow you to defend yourself against crime ONLY if you feel that you are in danger for your life.

Once the theif ran away the Deacon was not in danger, and thus was no longer shooting in self defense.

It's unfortunate that the law is written that way...

[Who dat?]

Once the theif ran away the Deacon was not in danger, and thus was no longer shooting in self defense.

Exactly. And in some (most?) places, once he grabbed the bag and started running off, that is the end of that particular incident. Once the deacon opened fire it opened up the door for incident #2 – that would be one in which the thief returns fire and kills him in self-defense. I kid you not. It has happened and was recorded just that way (incident #1 in which the attacker withdrew and incident #2 in which the “aggressor” (prior victim) was killed in “self defense.”) Seriously.

That's why you've got to be real careful and understand what you're getting into over a money bag that probably doesn't have $1,000 in it. Even if you are never criminally charged and never see a day in jail - it's likely that your life will fundamentally change from that day on.

[Southack]

"The Deacon's lucky he didn't end up in jail. Most states allow you..."

BWAAA HA HA! Hey city boy, where you from?!

[John D]

Remember this was in Alabama, the courts are much more sensible there.

[ohioman]

Big Deal. In Alabama you would never find a Jury to go against this man.