We don’t know all the facts of the case here. However, a few thoughts:
1. If the father had the legal right to visitation at that point and the grandfather was denying that, the real problem is if the dad had contacted the cops they would not have done a damned thing. I don’t get why people can get court orders, but the cops won’t assist in enforcing them when asked.
2. If the father was a violent sort and mom was afraid that there would be a problem, she was justified in trying to avoid his contact by going to her parents. The courts sometimes ignore pleas by moms that they are afraid. I know there are plenty of moms who make up a bunch of crap to be vindictive, but there has to be a better way to ensure the safety of the kids.
3. If the father was loud , and physically intimidating grandpa should have demanded he leave. It also is reasonable that he escort him off the property to protect the children (not sure if mom was inside too) We don’t know if dad was planning on retrieving a weapon from his car.
4. Once you feel like your life is in danger, however many bullets it takes to feel safe from the threat it what you shoot.
Well, check with RG there, s/he will tell you something different. I will shoot all the bullets in the weapon, whether it's a two-shot derringer, 5-shot revolver, or X-shot automatic.
It doesn’t say whether the cops were called before the shooting, I wonder....