[Ramius]

But when he goes outside, not because he was threatened, but because he wasn’t letting them get away; Well, that is different.

I had a similar thought at first. But as I read the law that was posted above (and believe that it is actually the law in that jurisdiction) it would appear that he was completely within the law. He didn't even have to order them to stop. He could shoot a fleeing burglar from next door without a self defense element.

Some are uncomfortable with killing another over property, (and here likely not very much property either). That's a reasonable position. But I know one thing: If there were more laws like this and more neighbors like this guy, there would be far, far fewer burglaries.

[WildcatClan]

Thanks, Ramius, I saw that as well. I am all for whatever force is necessary for ones own self-defense. Self-defense, armed robbery or an attempted rape I understand lethal force completely. I think these Texas laws go much farther than is necessary. I tend to look at these things from a moralistic viewpoint.

Is it right to take a life for the sake of material? Do we really want Joe Citizen there running around deciding who is and isn’t committing a crime? I understand sometimes, it is glaringly obvious a crime is being committed, but I see a tragedy just waiting to happen with this law. I can foresee a kid doing something really stupid (the stupid stuff we have all done at one time) and losing their life because of it. I have seen too much personally from these old kooks who are armed, to be comfortable with this kind of latitude regarding lethal force. 12 Year olds shot dead because they were in someone’s yard. I have seen people disoriented and thinking someone stole something from them and then later they find it where they left it of course.

I am not in anyway saying people should cower in fear and wait too late to react to a threat, and therefore lose their own life. I am saying when it comes to material possessions, and you are are not in a confrontational environment; Do not enter into one. It just isn’t smart and whatever good you may think you are doing, could end in a tragedy you will never be able to reconcile. It might range from a killing on your conscience to unintentionally shooting and killing an innocent child. It appears what Mr. Horn did was absolutely lawful, but I am not so sure what he did was right.

[El Gato]

Some are uncomfortable with killing another over property, (and here likely not very much property either)

Other stories report there was a large amount of cash in the bag.

However that is not material to the law.