But the workers could have refused to go on the man's land.
I would have
I agree. It's not as though he was holding their wives and daughters hostage. The employees were stupid to go ahead and try to start the work with a gun pointed at them. I certainly don't agree with shooting them, but could the workmen and the cop not see that this guy had been pushed over the line? Who gives up or even risks his life to TRENCH A SEWER LINE?? Insane. I guess gun threats by property owners isn't covered under OSHA so they just didn't know any better (roll eyes).