Police: woman likely won't be indicted in shooting (Meridian,MS)

Meridian Star ^ | Jeff Byrd

[csvset]

A Meridian woman who police say shot and killed a man who broke into her home Sunday will face a grand jury but it will likely be determined she acted within her legal rights, a police spokesman said Monday.

"… This is one of those instances where the homeowner was trying to protect her life and her property," Meridian Police Department Detective Dareall Thompson said Monday.

Thompson said police responded to the home in the 4400 block of 20th Street near State Boulevard at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

"A male subject had kicked in the front door and forced his way into the residence," Thompson said. "The homeowner shot the intruder."

Thompson said the woman was upstairs in her two-story home when she looked downstairs and saw the man in her living room. The woman came down the stairs and shot the intruder, Thompson said.

"He made it out of the front door and then collapsed outside," Thompson said.

Lauderdale County coroner Clayton Cobler said the man had been shot three times in the chest by bullets fired from a .380 caliber pistol.

The body was taken to Jackson for an autopsy. Cobler said said the man's identity would likely be released today.

Thompson said homeowners have rights under the Mississippi Castle Doctrine that states people inside their residence have a right to protect themselves.

"Once they are inside, A, they are trying to do bodily harm or, B, they are trying to take property from you," Thompson said. "Their intention is to do something dangerous. Anybody who forces their way into your home — you have the right to protect yourself."

This is the second time this year a Meridian homeowner has shot and killed an intruder, Thompson said.

[marktwain]

“On the other hand, back in the ‘80s, I met a granny who could LITERALLY shoot the eyes out of targets a 50 feet with a .22 pistol. Later I found out that she was in the OSS during WWII. She would come to the range at Ft Leavenworth fairly regularly and stay in practice.”

Great story. One of my best friend’s grandmother was in the OSS. He has all the documentation to prove it. Half their library is dedicated to her memorabilia.

[Myrddin]

I have been a fan of big bore revolvers for years. I shoot them accurately, but they are not my choice for "carry". I prefer either an S&W 640 (.357mag) or Ruger LC9s for concealed carry. A 686+ is my preference where open carry is preferred. Often, I just have my blades as sufficient alternatives to bare hands. First choice...avoid going places where you need to resort to life or death engagements.

[MortMan]

Situational awareness is the first defense.

[Myrddin]

Situational awareness is the first defense.

Agree 100%. Diverting full attention to a cell phone makes for an easy target.

[Jack Hammer]

Why is this even an issue???

Give her a pat on the back, cart away the bodies, and tell the DA to STFU.