8/11/09
Las Vegas, Nevada
From KOLO of August 11, 2009
Liquor Store Clerk Wounded Would-be Robber
Las Vegas police say a liquor store clerk gunned down during a botched robbery Friday night shot one of his assailants. The Clark County coroner's office identifies the dead clerk as 62-year-old Arthur Miller of Las Vegas. Police arrested his two alleged assailants - 24-year-olds Antonio Duenas and Michael Cruz - at a hospital where Duenas was treated for a gunshot wound to the abdomen. They're due in court tomorrow
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, NV
7/14/09
Savannah, Georgia
From the Ledger-Enquirer of July 14, 2009
Intruder, resident shot to death in home invasion
Garden City police say two men are dead from gunshot wounds in an apparent home invasion..
Police Chief David Lyons said a man and a woman were inside the residence about 1 a.m. Tuesday when two armed intruders broke in through a bedroom window.
Lyons said the resident also was armed and gunfire erupted. He said one of the intruders was hit and ran from the house. He was found dead in some woods about 70 yards from the house.
The chief said the male resident was alive when police found him in a bedroom, but he died on his way to a hospital. He said the female was not hurt.
Police said identities will be released after relatives are notified.
Labels: defender killed, GA, home invasion
1/6/09
Glendale, Arizona
From the Arizona Republic of January 6, 2009
Man arrested in double murder
The Glendale Police Department has made its first homicide arrest of 2009, thanks to help from Phoenix police.
Jesus Adan Nevarez-Cota is suspected of being one of four men involved in a home-invasion robbery in June that left the homeowner and an intruder dead.
Police say Nevarez-Cota, 20, of Phoenix, and the three other men were armed with assault rifles when they kicked in the back door of a Glendale residence in the 7000 block of West Cavalier Drive. Police say the homeowner, who also was armed, confronted the men and a gunbattle ensued.
Police said Nevarez-Cota is the registered owner of a vehicle that the men used to leave the scene.
Phoenix police talked to Nevarez-Cota on Dec. 31, during a traffic stop, and called Glendale authorities.
He now faces two counts of first-degree murder.
Labels: AZ, defender killed, home invasion
9/5/08
Lufkin, Texas
From August 20, 2008 KTRE channel 9:
At 10:36 Sunday night, restaurant manager Katie Jeffreys left Catfish King with the night deposit after closing up.
Her boyfriend, Keith Labrozzi, had come to pick her up and their next stop was the bank. But they never made it. A robber surprised them with gunfire in the parking lot.
"Mr. Labrozzi had a concealed handgun permit and he was armed. He exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Mr. Labrozzi had several gunshot wounds and died a short time later at the hospital," says LT. David Young with the Lufkin Police.
Young says Labrozzi fired at the suspect, 19-year-old Brian Martin Womack of Hudson, hitting him in the stomach.
Katie Jeffreys was shot in the foot, but managed to crawl under her SUV and call 911 before trying to give her boyfriend CPR.
Labels: concealed carry permit, defender killed, street robbery, TX
8/16/08
Miami Gardens, Florida
From NBC6 of August 16, 2008
2 Dead In Miami Gardens Game Store Shooting
A gun battle erupted in a store at a shopping mall in Miami Gardens that left two people dead and shoppers running for cover.
The Miami-Dade Police Department said three men entered the MultiVest Xtreme Video Games store on 183rd Street and Northwest Seventh Ave. Shortly after, a gun battle erupted between the manager, Corey Robinson, and one of the men, police said. Police said both the manager and one of the men had a weapon. Both men died at the scene, police said.
“The manager managed to shoot one of the subjects, who is now deceased, inside, and the manager was also shot,” Bobby Williams of the Miami-Dade Police Department said.
Michael Robinson’s son was killed in the incident. He said he is in shock.
“I never thought I would live to see the day that I would be burying one of my own children,” Robinson said.
Witnesses, including shopper David Durham, said they heard gunshots coming from store.
“As soon as we got here we heard ‘Bam bam,’ and that was it. People running and going nuts,” he said.
Workers in a pawn shop nearby the strip all said they keep their store doors closed at all times because they fear something may happen to the people in their store.
“There’s always loud noises and stuff,” Matt Furry of AAA Pawnshop said. “We heard a gunshot go off. We went out there, and we just saw some people laying on the ground.”
Police said the other two men fled the scene. One left on foot; the other in a car.
“We just left the hospital,” Corey Robinson’s sister, Qualyn Gibbs, said. “We couldn’t see him or anything because it’s a crime scene going on.”
Police said they are investigating the scene and looking for the other men.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, FL
6/9/08
Lawrence, Kansas
From the Witchita Eagle of June 9, 2008
Attempted robbery led to Lawrence shooting deaths, police say
Police say an attempted robbery led to Saturday’s double homicide, and a 16-year-old boy arrested in the crime is likely to have his first court appearance today.
Police also identified one of the deceased as Gage Hauk, 18, of nearby McLouth in Jefferson County. Police said Hauk and the 16-year-old suspect attempted to rob the residence just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday when the 20-year-old resident shot Hauk with a shotgun.
The 16-year-old, who has not been identified, then allegedly shot the resident before fleeing on foot, said Lawrence Police Sgt. Paul Fellers. A firearm believed to have been used in the incident was found a block away.
The resident has not yet been identified, Fellers said, pending identification by the coroner.
The two would-be robbers were acquainted with the resident, Fellers said.
The teen was arrested Sunday on suspicion of felony murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery and attempted aggravated robbery, Fellers said. He is being held at the county’s juvenile detention center.
Douglas County Deputy District Attorney David Melton said it’s possible the suspect could be charged as an adult. Charges are expected to be filed in a preliminary hearing at 4 p.m. today.
Police responded to the home where the incident occurred after several neighbors reported gunshots. One of the bodies was found inside the residence, in the 1300 block of Delaware Street. The other man was found outside.
Labels: defender killed, KS, minor offender, residence robbery
2/5/08
Lorain, Ohio
From the The Morning Journal of January 31, 2008
Grocer killed with own gun
Lorain grocer Jose Gonzalez was fatally shot with his own gun during a struggle with the suspect in a ''botched robbery'' at Gonzalez's store last Friday, police said.
Gonzales had bought the gun to protect himself and his store following a previous holdup, according to neighbors.
Police said a man armed with a weapon that was not a gun walked into the Gonzalez Grocery at 2522 Lexington Ave. at about 10 a.m. on Jan. 25. A fight ensued between the man and Gonzalez, and Gonzalez's gun somehow got into the hands of the intruder, according to police.
Lorain police Chief Cel Rivera would not specify what weapon police believe suspect Decio Rodrigues, 24, of Lorain, brought to the store, but said it was not a gun. The chief said he does not believe Rodrigues entered the store with the intent to kill Gonzalez.
As the suspect ran from the store with cash in his hand, he was spotted by an Allied Waste worker.
Police released a composite sketch of the suspect shortly after the killing and tips started rolling in.
Lorain detectives worked around the clock with the U.S. Marshal's Violent Fugitive Task Force to capture Rodrigues. He was taken into custody Saturday night and was charged with aggravated murder.
At an arraignment Monday morning, Rodrigues appeared on live video from the Lorain County Jail. Rodrigues kept his head down for most of the proceeding, but when he did look into the camera, he had a black eye and scratches on his face.
Rivera said the injuries were from the struggle that had taken place at the grocery store when Gonzalez was fighting for his life.
Tuesday night, the community gathered with Gonzalez's family to honor his legacy and to protest violence. His son vowed to reopen the store.
Labels: defender killed, defender's gun taken away and used against him, OH
11/27/07
Fairfield, California
From NBC11 of November 26, 2007
Fairfield Man Killed In House Invasion
An autopsy was scheduled for Monday on a Fairfield man who was shot Saturday night during an apparent home invasion robbery.
The Solano County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 48-year-old Timothy Banks.
Fairfield police said Banks was fatally shot and his 17-year-old son also was shot in their home in the 200 block of Holly Drive.
Lt. Al Bagos said Banks' wife called police around 11:34 p.m. Saturday. She said she awoke to find her husband and an intruder struggling over a rifle in the upstairs bedroom. The gun discharged, striking Banks in the head and torso and the intruder fled, Bagos said.
The teen was found shot downstairs and he was taken to the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he was in fair condition, Bagos said.
Police said it appears there were two intruders. One of them is a dark-skinned male approximately 17 years old who was wearing dark clothing, Bagos said. Police are investigating a motive for the shootings.
Labels: CA, defender killed, home invasion
11/17/07
Tarboro, North Carolina
From the Rocky Mount Telegram of November 17, 2007
Shootout at store kills clerk
Edgecombe County authorities arrested three teenagers in connection with a string of crimes at a Princeville convenience store that ultimately led to a shootout and the store owner's murder Thursday night.
One teen, who was wounded in the shootout, was charged with the man's murder; another was charged with having the gun purportedly used in the shooting; and a third was charged with burglarizing the store twice in the last month, authorities charge.
"These gentlemen are tied together," Edgecombe County Sheriff James Knight said. "But how the whole puzzle fits together, we don't know yet."
Ahmad M. Nimer, 61, owner of Wings N Things on N.C. 33, was shot and killed Thursday night during an apparent robbery attempt at the store, Knight said.
The store, which was previously called Exum's Grocery, recently reopened under the new name, the sheriff said.
"Gunfire was exchanged in the business, and (one of the suspects) has a bullet wound in his shoulder," Knight said.
William Earl Allen Jr., 18, of Tarboro was taken to Heritage Hospital for treatment. He is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Nimer, and he's being held under no bond.
(More)
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, NC
10/8/07
Nashville, Tennessee
From Nashville’s WKRN.com of October 8, 2007
Gunfire Kills East Nashville Store Owner
The owner of a convenience store in east Nashville was shot and killed at her store on Cahal Avenue Monday afternoon.
Customers found the body of 70-year-old Classie Wilson inside her store, Cahal Market, at about 1 p.m. Monday.
She had been shot in the chest.
Police believe Wilson and the suspect exchanged gunfire before she was fatally wounded.
Officers said the suspect came in, asking for to purchase [sic] a single pack of cigarettes when the altercation began.
Wilson and her husband owned and operated the Cahall Market for more than 20 years.
Her son, Ronald Wilson, spoke with News 2 Monday.
He said, “She lived by example. For 28, 30 years we’ve been at the store she’s helped people when they needed it… If they didn’t have enough money or couldn’t pay, she’d help them out.”
Police are searching for a suspect Monday night.
They believe he escaped on foot and may still be in the neighborhood.
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, female, senior, TN
8/25/07
Lehman Township, Pennsylvania
From the Scranton Times-Tribune of August 25, 2007
Suspect sought in fatal Pike shootout
State police in Blooming Grove are investigating the death of a 46-year-old township man who was shot early Friday in Pike County.
Barry James Rose, of 3182 Bexhill Court, Saw Creek Estates, was shot around 2 a.m. Friday after someone entered his home, police reported.
Police said Mr. Rose and an intruder exchanged gunfire, and Mr. Rose died.
An autopsy was performed at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, and results are pending, according to police.
Saw Creek Estates resident Kristi Wertz, 25, used to keep her car doors unlocked, but not anymore.
“Lately there has been a lot of crime in this area,” she said. “For the past seven to eight months, we’ve seen the state police here quite frequently.”
There was a major drug bust in the community on Aug. 7.
Ms. Wertz, who also works at the nearby Country Squire Deli along Winona Falls Road, has lived in the private, gated community on and off for the past 10 years and said she did not always feel so uneasy. She heard about the shooting Friday morning while at work.
“A lot of people, I think, really aren’t so surprised,” she said, referring to the recent crime activity in the community.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 226-5718.
Labels: defender killed, home invasion, PA
8/20/07
Killeen, Texas
From Waco’s KWTX.com of August 20, 2007
Resident Dies In Home Invasion Robbery; Intruder in Critical Condition
Anthony Jerome Hemingway Sr., 43, died early Monday morning in an exchange of gunfire with a man who kicked in the door of his apartment in Killeen.
The intruder, who was not identified, was in critical condition Monday after he was airlifted to Scott & White Hospital in Temple.
It happened around 6:30 a.m. Monday at an apartment in the 1500 block of Windward Drive.
Officers said an armed man kicked in the back door, entered the apartment and shot Hemingway, who returned fire, wounding his attacker.
Labels: defender killed, home invasion, residence robbery, TX
7/6/07
Louisville, Kentucky
From July 6, 2007 WLKY channel 32:
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Police are calling the causes of death for two people found dead together in an apartment at the 1000 block of Muhammad Ali Boulevard a double homicide.
Metro police said a mother, Bonnie Porter, 45, and her son, Leon Porter, 28, were found dead in the apartment Thursday. Investigators said the son fired several rounds at the mother and, while defending herself, she shot him in the head, resulting in both their deaths.
Family members said Leon was being treated for mental illness.
Labels: defender killed, domestic dispute, KY
6/23/07
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
From the June 23, 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Shot once in the chest during an argument at his sister's North Side home early yesterday, a former Army Ranger pulled his own gun and killed his assailant before dying of his wound, police said.
"You've got a murder and a justifiable homicide, is what it looks like," said Lt. Dan Hermann of the major crimes unit.
Killed in the exchange of gunfire were Gregory Grabowski, 29, a former Ranger from the North Side, and Timothy Beaman, 23, of Woods Run.
Police responding to a report of shots fired at 2:39 a.m. at 25311/2 N. Charles St. found a bloody scene, with Mr. Grabowski lying just inside the front door and Mr. Beaman on the sidewalk at the bottom of the steps leading to the house.
The two lay mortally wounded about eight feet from each other, remnants of their blood stains still visible after attempts to clean it up.
Mr. Grabowski was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr. Beaman at Allegheny General Hospital.
The fight was apparently over noise after Mr. Beaman, along with two friends, showed up at the house, which is rented to Mr. Grabowski's sister. Mr. Beaman is the father of the tenant's child, police said.
Mr. Beaman is also the father of another child whose mother lives in the row house.
Angered by noise, Mr. Grabowski confronted the men in the kitchen, saying he had to get up for work in the morning, said Lt. Hermann.
When Mr. Grabowski asked them to leave, an argument broke out, according to three witnesses. Mr. Beaman pulled a gun and shot Mr. Grabowski once in the chest.
Although wounded, Mr. Grabowski pulled a .357-caliber pistol and shot Mr. Beaman twice in the chest. Mr. Beaman and his two friends ran for the door with Mr. Grabowski in pursuit until he collapsed at the front door.
Mr. Beaman collapsed at the bottom of the steps.
The two men with him ran away but returned once police secured the scene. Police said they are not suspects in the shooting, although one of them was wanted on a warrant out of West View.
According to Allegheny County court records, both men were awaiting trial in separate cases.
Mr. Grabowski was charged May 19 with forgery, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and acquisition by misrepresentation after being accused of passing a forged prescription at Giant Eagle.
Mr. Beaman was awaiting trial on charges of illegal gun possession, receiving stolen property and other counts.
Labels: altercation, defender killed, PA
6/2/07
Fort Bend, Texas
From the Rosenberg Herald Coaster of June 1, 2007
Apparent home invasion results in fatal shooting
An apparent attempted robbery and home invasion turned deadly early Friday morning when a gunfire exchange between the victim and a suspect left the victim dead in front of his home.
The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. in the 5900 block of Beaconridge, in Houston in east Fort Bend County, where officers with Houston Police Department found the 32-year-old victim dead from a gunshot wound.
A full report from HPD was not available at press time, but a report published by the Houston Chronicle indicates that three suspects tried to enter the home. Shots were reportedly fired by both parties. Two residents escaped through the back door.
From the Houston Chroniclen of June 1, 2007
Man shot dead at home by intruders
A 33-year-old man was fatally shot early Friday at his southwest Houston home, police said.
Police found the body of David Andrew Johnson just inside the front door of his residence at 5934 Beaconridge about 3 a.m..
Witnesses told investigators they opened the door after hearing a knock and were confronted by two men who began shooting.
A witness inside the residence was able to return fire before locking the door, but the suspects forced their way into the house and shot Johnson before leaving in a green four-door vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or Pontiac Grand Am with tinted windows, police said.
Labels: defender killed, home invasion, TX
1/3/07
Fort Wayne, Indiana
From Fort Wayne’s IndianaNewsCenter.com of January 3, 2007
Slain Pizza Store Employee Had a Gun During Deadly HoldupThe Good Guys don’t always win.
Indiana's News Center has learned that the Fort Wayne pizza store employee who was shot and killed on the job over the weekend had a gun at the time of the robbery.
The information comes as police are asking the public for leads in the unsolved crime.
We found out the victim was armed from police sources and Rick Harkelroad, the owner of the Tasty Pizza store on Fairfield Avenue where the shooting took place.
23-year old Chad Brunson, the night manager, was shot in the head early Sunday, after two black men with their faces covered burst in and demanded cash.
A police source said Brunson pulled out a gun during the holdup, and that when officers responded, they found Brunson on the floor with gun in hand.
That source said the gun had the safety on.
…
Indiana's News Center has learned that Brunson had pulled a gun on a would-be robber during a hold-up attempt back in April.
The store's owner told him after that to leave the gun at home, but on Sunday morning he had one when police found him dead.
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, IN
11/20/06
Killen, Alabama
From the WSBtv.com of November 20, 2006
74-Year Old Alabama Man Killed Stopping Robbery
A 74-year-old man was shot and killed as he tried to stop a man from robbing his boat house on Shoal Creek in Lauderdale County. A 27-year-old suspect was arrested.
Police said the victim, retired contractor John Duncan of Killen, was shot Sunday at least twice outside his home on Robbins Beach Road, which overlooks Shoal Creek. He died at the scene.
The suspect, Frankie Buttrum of Florence, was captured by Killen police who shot out the back window of Buttrum's Jeep as he attempted to flee.
District Attorney Chris Connolly says Buttrum will be charged with murder once he is treated at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.
…
Authorities said Buttrum is also accused of taking guns and ammunition from Duncan's boat house. They believe Duncan saw him leaving the boat house, grabbed a gun and fired at least one shot in an attempt to stop him from leaving the scene.
Labels: AL, defender killed, residence burglary, senior
7/2/06
Stone Mountain, Georgia
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of July 2, 2006
Stone Mt. man pulls gun in apparent defense, is killedThe Good Guys don't always win.
DeKalb County police on Sunday were investigating two pre-dawn killings and another shooting of a hotel owner.
The first killing took place in the Deer Creek subdivision in Stone Mountain, claiming the life of a liquor store owner, said DeKalb County police spokesman Jason Gagnon.
The owner, identified by police as Sashamer "Rocky" Tucker, was driving home with his wife at about 1 a.m. when two armed men drove to their vehicle in an apparent robbery attempt, Gagnon said.
Tucker pulled out a gun and got into a shootout with the two. Tucker was wounded and died at the scene, Gagnon said. Police were unsure whether the suspects were wounded. Detectives visited several hospitals Sunday looking for any gunshot victims that could have been involved in the murder.
Police suspect the couple may have been followed into their subdivision.
Labels: defender killed, GA, street robbery
4/7/06
North Miami, Florida
From Miami‘s Local10.com of April 7, 2006
Police: Woman Injured, Man Killed Trying To Protect Home
Three people died Friday as the result of an apparent home invasion.
North Miami police said shots were fired at a home on Northwest Miami Court near 126th Street around 5:30 a.m.
When police arrived, they found two people dead and two others injured, North Miami police spokeswoman Cathy Ruggiero said.
Police said a couple who live in the home tried to defend themselves when two people allegedly broke in. Both of them were injured in the struggle.
The man who lived in the home was taken to an area hospital, where he later died.
The woman who lived in the home was taken to North Shore Medical Center. Police said she was not shot, but she was injured while struggling with the alleged intruders.
A neighbor told Local 10 he heard several shots fired after an argument that could be heard houses away. He also said he heard a woman screaming for someone to help her.
Labels: defender killed, FL, home invasion
12/3/05
Lyford, Texas
From Harlingen‘s Team4News.com of December 3, 2005
Man Killed at Fruit Stand
A Lyford man was shot and killed Friday night after several armed men raided a fruit stand and stole the cash register, police said.
Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Eliseo Barnhart pronounced Juan Martinez dead at 9 p.m. According to Sheriff Larry Spence, three to six men entered the rear entrance of the Martinez Fruitstand about 8:10 p.m.
The men commanded two family members to get down on the ground and proceeded to take the cash register, which contained about $694, Spence said.
Upon hearing the disturbance from the family's adjoining trailer, Martinez went outside carrying a shotgun.
It was unknown whether Martinez fired the weapon, but witnesses said the armed men shot Martinez twice before making their getaway in a maroon extended-cab pickup.
Martinez was reportedly dead by the time EMS got to the scene.
Barnhart said an autopsy will be ordered
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, TX
11/29/05
Mooresville, North Carolina
From the Charlotte Observer of November 29, 2005
Convenience store owner shot
A convenience store owner was shot to death in an apparent robbery as he opened his store on U.S. 21 early this morning, Iredell County Sheriff's deputies said.
Hoan Xuan Nguyen, 41, died at the scene, deputies said. He exchanged gunfire with his assailant, Iredell County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Rick Dowdle said. Dowdle said he didn't know if the other person was shot.
Investigators have no suspects, but are reviewing the store's surveillance tapes. Investigators do not know if anything is missing from the store.
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, NC
St. Robert, Missouri
From the Waynesville Daily Guide of November 29, 2005
Thanksgiving Day shooting injures one
A St. Robert man was severely beaten and a Waynesville man shot early Thanksgiving morning during an altercation in the Applewood Apartments on Highway Y north of St. Robert.
Roosevelt Overton, 18, of Waynesville, has been charged with first-degree burglary and is being held on a $100,000 bond, according to Pulaski County Sheriff J.B. King. A second person whose name has not been released was shot during the incident and fled to the Brookview Apartments. That man is in a Springfield hospital for medical treatment and awaiting surgery, King said.
“His condition is serious enough that he isn’t going anywhere anyway so it doesn’t matter (whether he is charged),” King said. “He took two or three hits and at least one of them to the chest and one to the face.”
King said he believes Overton, the person who was shot, and a third person went to the Applewood Apartments to confront another person on personal matters. The Applewood tenant was attacked, King said, and suffered serious injuries.
“He was beaten and choked with some kind of chain or cord around his neck,” King said. “I think he shot in self-defense, but I’m not sure.”
(More)
Labels: assault, defender killed, home invasion, MO
Las Cruces, New Mexico
From Albuquerque’s KOBtv.com of November 29, 2005
Man fatally shot in Las Cruces-area home
Dona Ana County sheriff’s investigators are trying to track down someone who kicked in the front door of a home and fatally shot a man inside.
Sergeant Mark Perea says 25-year-old Daniel Perez was shot in the back early Sunday.
Perea says Perez had grabbed a shotgun and fired once through his front door at the intruder. Perez says the intruder then kicked the door open and shot Perez in the back.
Labels: assault, defender killed, home invasion, NM
11/12/05
Fort Pierce, Florida
From West Palm Beach’s WPEC.com of November 10, 2005
Family of Slain Newspaper Carrier SuesGood guys don't always win.
The family of a newspaper deliveryman shot and killed on his route has filed suit against the paper.
A robber shot 32-year-old Daniel DeStefano in Ft. Pierce February 1st.
He died the next day.
DeStefano delivered papers for the Fort Pierce News Tribune and had asked to be switched to a different route because he felt unsafe.
He was even carrying a gun at the time of the shooting, and fired a shot at his suspected attacker, Steven Hayward.
The victim's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit Thursday against Scripps Treasure Coast Publishing, the publisher of the paper.
Labels: defender killed, FL, street robbery
11/2/05
Athens, Alabama
From the November 2, 2005 Decatur [Alabama] Daily:
ATHENS — "Brutal" and "gruesome" are the adjectives Athens Police Chief Wayne Harper is using to describe the shooting and stabbing death of an 80-year-old Athens man who apparently fought with and shot his assailant.UPDATE: This November 2, 2005 Tuscaloosa News report indicates that someone has been arrested and charged:
Police plan to get an arrest warrant charging a suspect, who is in serious condition at Huntsville Hospital, with capital murder.
The victim, Charlie Newman of 611 North Hine St., was a retired contractor and builder who lived alone in his multi-story brick home. Neighbors said he was quiet and kept to himself.
Someone encroached on Newman's solitude Halloween night, shot him once in the chest and stabbed him numerous times, Harper said. The chief did not know the number of stab wounds but said a preliminary autopsy indicates Newman died of massive blood loss.
"I would never in my life have thought Charlie would go down without a fight, so there is some consolation in that he shot the person who did this to him, which probably helped police find a suspect," said Newman's minister, The Rev. Patrick Lawrence of Berea Baptist Church. "I know someone told me they wouldn't want to square off with Charlie even at age 80."
A young man who showed up at a Chevron Food Mart in Madison with a gunshot wound to his chest will be charged with the Halloween night murder of an elderly Athens man, Police Chief Wayne Harper said.
Harper said the suspect, whose name was not immediately released, was in serious condition at Huntsville Hospital but was expected to survive.
The police chief said the young man, in his early 20s, will be charged with capital murder in the shooting and stabbing death of Charles Newman, 80. The charge carrying a possible death sentence applies because a robbery was involved in the killing at Newman's home Monday night.
Labels: AL, assault, defender killed, residence robbery, senior
10/8/05
Houston, Texas
From the Houston Chronicle of October 8, 2005
Man whose family hit by crime killed by gunfireAnother good guy down.
A man grieving for a family member found dead Friday morning was gunned down early today when he confronted a suspected burglar, Houston police said.
A 16-year-old suspect was arrested after the shooting about 12:15 a.m. today.
Robert Coleman, 42, of the 6400 block of Kasserine Pass, who was at home grieving the death of a family member who had been shot, got word late Friday night that another family member's home was possibly being burglarized.
He grabbed a gun and went to the home nearby where he confronted the juvenile suspect on Malmedy Street.
After an argument, shots were fired and Coleman was struck once in the head. He died at the scene, police said.
Police found evidence of a gun battle, but no weapons at the scene.
Labels: defender killed, residence burglary, TX
10/6/05
Detroit, Michigan
From Detroit’s WXYZtv.com of October 6, 2005
Video Store Owner Killed by Armed RobbersThe good guys lose one.
Gunfire erupted in a video store between two armed robbers and the owner, and the owner later died from his injuries. Police say they have one suspect in custody, but another is on the loose.
Friends and coworkers of Wally, the owner of City Video, went to survey the gruesome scene Thursday. Broken glass and bullet holes revealed some of the harrowing details from Wednesday night’s shooting.
Tyisha Anderson-Shelton is a former employee of City Video, and had this to say about Wally: "He was a good guy. He was cool. He was trying to do his religion. He was very strong on religion. He was very helpful for the people in the neighborhood. If you needed a job, he tried to help you as much as he could. It’s just sad to see someone loose their life over something so frivolous."
Detroit police say that around 9 p.m. Wednesday, two men armed with guns stormed into the store at 6 Mile and Evergreen.
The owner had a gun as well, having been robbed several times. A shootout followed.
"This store was hot for getting robbed," Tyisha explained. "I mean, this store got robbed so many times, it’s like, unspeakable. You know, he was working on that. That was his project. But I guess he’ll never get the chance to see that project come to life."
Police say Wally was shot in the head, and died Thursday morning. One of the suspects was also shot, and checked himself into Sinai Grace Hospital.
Labels: business robbery, defender killed, MI
9/18/05
Union City, Georgia
From Atlanta’s WSBRadio.com of September 18, 2005
Man Dead After Home InvasionGood guys don’t always win.
One man is dead following a gun battle during a home invasion at a home at 6569 Carriage Court in Union City.
Police report a woman called her fiance late Saturday night after she heard someone breaking into her home.
Sergeant George Louth with the Union City Police Department tells WSB's Jeff Dantre', "While she was awaiting her fiance to arrive one of the perpetrators has entered the bedroom where she and her infant were at and demanded money. The suspect struck her several times and she suffered minor injuries. She fell to the ground and heard gunfire from another area of the apartment."
Police later found the woman's fiance in another apartment suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at Grady Hospital. Police are looking for two or more suspects.
Labels: defender killed, GA, home invasion, residence robbery
9/2/05
Cleveland, Ohio
From Cleveland‘s NewsNet5.com of September 1, 2005
Homeowner, Burglar Killed In Shootout
Woman Calls 911 During Burglary
Two people are dead after a burglary and shootout on Cleveland's east side Thursday.
A girlfriend hiding in the closet of the house made a 911 call at 4:39 a.m. about intruders in the home on East 113th Street, NewsChannel5 reported.
Police said the owner of the home, Ombray Thomas, shot a burglar and then he was shot, too.
Labels: business burglary, defender killed, OH
8/14/05
Reddick, Florida
From the August 10, 2005 Ocala Star-Banner:
REDDICK - Detectives have recovered an assault rifle they believe was used in Monday's double slaying during a botched home invasion robbery.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office said the semi-automatic Chinese SKS rifle was thrown from the suspects' vehicle as they fled the scene in Reddick.
On Monday night, Alisha C. Williams led investigators to the 7.62 mm rifle, which had been discarded near North Marion High School, said Capt. Dennis Strow, spokesman with the Sheriff's Office.
Williams is one of two people charged in the slaying.
Detectives are still investigating the shooting death of Roland Debron Jenkins, 36, who was found dead in his home early Monday morning. Investigators say Jenkins was killed in a struggle with armed suspect Eduardo Ballestero, 24, who also died in the robbery. A third suspect, Davon White, 23, sat in a vehicle outside.
Williams and White drove Ballestero to Munroe Regional Medical Center where he died of his injuries, investigators said.
Shortly afterward, Williams and White were arrested on charges of murder and home invasion. They remained in the Marion County Jail on Tuesday without bail.
There were a number of firearms found at the house, but the assault rifle was brought to the house by the three suspects, Strow said.
Tests will be performed to determine if both Ballestero and Jenkins were both shot by the rifle. Ballestero reportedly had two guns with him during the robbery attempt, according to an arrest affidavit.
It is not known if any of the other weapons at the house were used during the robbery, Strow said.
"The investigation continues," Strow said.
...
An autopsy conducted Tuesday by the Medical Examiner's Office revealed that both men died of a single gunshot wound. A bullet penetrated the upper right arm of Jenkins, and entered the torso. Ballestero was shot in the lower abdomen. During the investigation, detectives also found evidence of drugs in Jenkins' home and seized a large amount of cash, Strow said.
Tammy Washington, a family member of Jenkins, called the Star-Banner Tuesday to say that Jenkins was not involved with selling drugs.
"He was family-oriented, friendly and would give someone the shirt off his back."
Labels: defender killed, FL, residence robbery
2/27/05
Two incidents remind us that the brave don't always win.
Lawrenceville, Georgia
From Atlanta’s CBSAtlanta.com of February 25, 2005
Arrests in Elderly Home Invasion Murder
Lawrenceville police arrested and charged two men Friday in the killing of an 85-year-old man shot during an alleged home invasion.
Lawrenceville police identified the pair as Alan Smith, 29, and David Botto, 35. Smith is charged with burglary and murder and Botto is charged with burglary, murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Hubert Massey was killed Saturday after the intruders forced open the back door of his home.
The World War II veteran exchanged gunfire with the intruders. There was no word Friday if either suspect arrested had been wounded.
Massey's 84-year-old wife, Geneva, was sleeping when the shots were fired. A neighbor called police after Geneva Massey opened her front door and yelled for help as the suspects escaped.
Massey was shot twice in the chest and once in the arm, family spokesman Craig Helf said previously.
Labels: defender killed, GA, home invasion, senior
Tyler, Texas
From Dallas’ CBS11TV.com of February 25, 2005
Bystander who died dedicated to self-defense
A bystander who was killed in a town square shooting in Tyler was a gun enthusiast dedicated to the idea of self-defense.
That's what a business associated (sic) tells The Associated Press.
Fifty-two-year-old Mark Alan Wilson was shot-to-death while trying to take down a man spraying bullets outside the Smith County Courthouse yesterday.
The gunman, David Hernandez Arroyo Senior, was also shot-to-death after killing his ex-wife and injuring his son and three law officers.
Doctor Scott Lieberman is a cardiologist who was an investor in a shooting range once owned by Wilson.
He says he believes Wilson's whole life was geared toward the kind of defensive battle that took place yesterday.
Smith County Sheriff J-B Smith said deputies on the scene credited Wilson with saving the life of 23-year-old David Hernandez Arroyo Junior.
Labels: assault, defender killed, TX
