No Charges to Be Filed Against Colorado Man Who Shot Intruder

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Colorado Springs resident will not be charged for fatally shooting an intruder who tried to break into a home that he apparently thought was his, prosecutors said Tuesday.

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Parsons shot 22-year-old Sean Kennedy, an assistant golf pro at a Colorado Springs golf course, on Dec. 28. Kennedy had been drinking that night and apparently thought he was breaking into his own house, which was a block away.

snip

Friends and family members believe Kennedy thought he had arrived at his own home, which he shared with roommates. He got out of his pickup and began shouting and beating on Parsons' door.
" continued to beat and pound on the door, during which time the resident told his girlfriend to call 911, and he went into the bedroom to get his gun, a revolver," the DA's office said.
Kennedy went to the back of the house, forced open a screen door, smashed a window and was reaching to unlock the deadbolt, investigators said. Parsons then shot at him three times.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,484267,00.html


Very sad. Kennedy's blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit according to the story. One more reason not to drink and drive, as if anyone needed one.

David

[aikoaiko]

1. Good, because the homeowner acted reasonably.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

2. Of course.

Absolutely reasonably by any stretch of the imagination. Still sad though.

David

[rangersmith82]

5. really the guy deserves a reward!!!

For saving the state court cost and jail fees by shooting this dirt bag.

[flvegan]

3. Very sad and unfortunate. But,

I'd have done the same.

[napoleon_in_rags]

4. Really sad. Way too jumpy.

Did this guy open the front door and tell the guy to get lost? That generally would be all it would take to make a drunk realize he's at the wrong house. Its his right to defend himself, but that didn't sound necessary here.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

9. He told him to leave for 4 minutes and that the cops were on the way.

The dead man had 2 people yelling at him and 2 dogs barking at him and he still broke out the window and reached through to unlock the door when he was shot. I may not have dealt with it the same way, but I can't criticize this man for what he did.

David

[napoleon_in_rags]

11. No, its not his fault....But we're talking about a case of the wrong house.

However you slice it. This guy thought he was entering his own house. They failed to convey to him that it was not.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

12. So it was their fault?

[napoleon_in_rags]

13. You misunderstand me. Its not the shooters fault.

I mean he's not criminal...but he could have handled things better.

Sorry, after I've been talking all day I forget the Internet doesn't hear tone of voice. That was the agreeing 'no'. :)

[jody]

6. I would have acted as Parsons. n/t

[rrneck]

7. Forced entry's enough to get you shot. nt

[Taitertots]

8. Happens more than you think

I know someone who that happened to, except he didn't get shot. It happens more than you would think. I had an Alzheimer's neighbor walk right into my unlocked front door twice. I also listen to the police radio channels and it happens with surprising frequency, all though they usually don't end in shootings. Just a drunk stumbling around knocking on random doors trying to use their keys on them. Good thing I always lock my door now, because I had a person running from the cops try to break in my door.


I don't think a loud potentially violent drunk is the kind of person you open your door and ask to leave. The second you unlock the door you are within striking distence. You call the police and if they gain entry you shoot them.

[slackmaster]

10. Tragic waste of life

Under the circumstances, I would have shot him too.