El Tejon
Member
It seems someone has figured out how to fight crime in Indianapolis--shoot back!
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6104934
Burglary suspect killed
Feb 19, 2007 06:47 AM EST
Lynsay Clutter/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting incident Saturday night in which a burglary suspect was shot and killed.
Police were called to 2124 Lake Terrace Drive near 21st and Post around 9:30 p.m. Saturday after a woman called to say she shot a burglar several times.
When is it okay for someone inside their own home to shoot at an intruder? That's the question that came up Sunday night when a lady shot and killed a man who broke into her home.
Police say it was a robbery that went wrong.
Two men broke into an apartment only to be stopped by the woman who lives there.
Indianapolis Metropolitan police spokesman Lt. Doug Scheffel explained what happened, "She told officers she was inside the apartment, two black males broke into the apartment armed with a handgun, she had a revolver and she actually shot and killed Mr. Thornton."
20-year-old Derrick Thornton of Wisconsin died in the apartment hallway.
His accomplice, and cousin, Randy Thornton ran home where police found him an hour and a half later unarmed. Neither suspect had any weapons.
Police took Randy Thornton downtown to the homicide office where they interviewed him and charged him with felony murder.
"The reason he was charged with the felony murder is that they were committing a forceable felony when it was his cousin who was actually killed. So the way the law is written, if he has an accomplice, that person can face an actual charge of felony murder even though they were not the person responsible for shooting him," explained Scheffel.
Police believe the female acted in self-defense. In the state of Indiana, you do not need a license to carry a gun in your home.
"Once you are in your home, that's your castle, you have the right to defend yourself or your family members against anyone who is trying to break in and harm you," said Scheffel.
The Prosecutor will have the final word on any charges after reviewing the final report.
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6104934
Burglary suspect killed
Feb 19, 2007 06:47 AM EST
Lynsay Clutter/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting incident Saturday night in which a burglary suspect was shot and killed.
Police were called to 2124 Lake Terrace Drive near 21st and Post around 9:30 p.m. Saturday after a woman called to say she shot a burglar several times.
When is it okay for someone inside their own home to shoot at an intruder? That's the question that came up Sunday night when a lady shot and killed a man who broke into her home.
Police say it was a robbery that went wrong.
Two men broke into an apartment only to be stopped by the woman who lives there.
Indianapolis Metropolitan police spokesman Lt. Doug Scheffel explained what happened, "She told officers she was inside the apartment, two black males broke into the apartment armed with a handgun, she had a revolver and she actually shot and killed Mr. Thornton."
20-year-old Derrick Thornton of Wisconsin died in the apartment hallway.
His accomplice, and cousin, Randy Thornton ran home where police found him an hour and a half later unarmed. Neither suspect had any weapons.
Police took Randy Thornton downtown to the homicide office where they interviewed him and charged him with felony murder.
"The reason he was charged with the felony murder is that they were committing a forceable felony when it was his cousin who was actually killed. So the way the law is written, if he has an accomplice, that person can face an actual charge of felony murder even though they were not the person responsible for shooting him," explained Scheffel.
Police believe the female acted in self-defense. In the state of Indiana, you do not need a license to carry a gun in your home.
"Once you are in your home, that's your castle, you have the right to defend yourself or your family members against anyone who is trying to break in and harm you," said Scheffel.
The Prosecutor will have the final word on any charges after reviewing the final report.