Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

September 6, 2008 11:53:25 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

No Charges for Texas Man Who Shot Neighbor's Burglars

Posted Jul 1, 08 2:59 PM CDT in US,  Crime & Courts 

(Newser) – A Texas grand jury’s decision to take no action against Joe Horn, who killed two burglars on his front lawn, has focused attention on the state’s “deadly force” laws, the Houston Chronicle reports. Horn’s life was not in danger until he confronted the thieves fleeing his neighbor’s house, but his actions were legally protected by a statute dating from the 1850s.

That statute justifies the use of deadly force if the shooter “reasonably believes” it’s necessary to stop the theft—a stance opponents see as a catch-all vigilante loophole. Horn also brought attention, by incorrectly citing it in his defense, to the newly enacted “castle doctrine,” which also would have cleared him of all culpability—if it had been his own house, not his neighbor’s.

Sources Houston Chronicle, Houston Chronicle

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Supporters of homeowner Joe Horn, who fatally shot two suspected burglars, confront activist Quanell X, center, as he toured the site of the incident Dec. 2, 2007, in Pasadena, Texas.   (AP Photo)
This undated photo shows Joe Horn, who allegedly fatally shot two suspected burglars on Nov. 14, 2007.   (AP Photo)
A "No Trespassing" sign sits in the walkway of Joe Horn's house yesterday in Pasadena, Texas.   (AP Photo)
Harris County District Attorney Kenneth Magidson talks about the grand jury decision not to charge Joe Horn on Monday, June 30, 2008, in Houston.   (AP Photo/The Houston Chronicle,Julio Cortez )
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 5)

Tags

Texas  • shooting  • gun control  • law  • property  • protection  • vigilante justice


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular


Other Crime & Courts Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »