[Uncle Chip]

My speculation seems a bit more likely than yours.

But your understanding of the meaning of the word "mute" is not.

A "mute" is someone unable to speak -- not someone unable to hear.

[Rides_A_Red_Horse]

I never said he could or couldn’t hear; I said the shooter may have told him to stop and implied the victim did not stop.

If you are approaching me at 4 AM I’m not going to ask you your name. I’m going to tell you to stop and put your hands up. I’d also tell you the police have been called.