Texan 'hero' shoots and kills burglars at neighbours' - Page 22 - U.S. Politics Online: A Political Discussion Forum

Traveler · #**316** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donkey_Left

My 17 year old brother looks like he's anywhere from 13-17. Does he get shot?

If he looks a threat then probably yeah, not personal against him or anything but usually you would weigh up the threat to the person inside.

Just a question to all of you randomly, what if it was your family in there? What if it was your child, someone nowhere near big enough to defend themselves with your aging parents (his or her grandparents), what would you do then? Its their house not yours, then what? Call the police and wait for them to get there?

EricOKC · #**317** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. M

You can't always tell the age just by looking at someone...and then, suppose it's dark or they're at a distance...would you really want to shoot someone in the back and then turn their lifeless body over to discover you killed a kid over a television or stereo?

I wouldnt have a problem with it Mrs. M. That same "kid" decided to commit an adult crime, and in doing so assumed very adult risks.

Stealing my TV is not an innocent prank. It is violating my home and property. While I might have wished he made a different choice, i will not regret stopping him in that fashion.

Donkey_Left · #**318** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler

If he looks a threat then probably yeah, not personal against him or anything but usually you would weigh up the threat to the person inside.

Just a question to all of you randomly, what if it was your family in there? What if it was your child, someone nowhere near big enough to defend themselves with your aging parents (his or her grandparents), what would you do then? Its their house not yours, then what? Call the police and wait for them to get there?

You're changing the rules. If we were talking about protecting my family then I would answer the question.

We're not. We're talking about petty burglary.

You didn't answer my question above, what do you have that is worth killing over?

EricOKC · #**319** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. M

What if the burglars had been 13 year old kids?

Then they don't see 14. They made the choice to commit an adult crime and assumed adult risks.

Traveler · #**320** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. M

You can't always tell the age just by looking at someone...and then, suppose it's dark or they're at a distance...would you really want to shoot someone in the back and then turn their lifeless body over to discover you killed a kid over a television or stereo?

Well if he was headed my way and i would fear my own life in danger then yes probably....if going the other way then i would point the gun at him and tell him to freeze which i assume he would, if he didn't i don't know but i doubt i'd shoot him over a TV. (He wouldn't be able to get far carrying it). The thing Horn is arguing firstly is that they lunged at him (if anyone other than Ajax would have asked i would have answered why) but if he deemed them a threat to him then why not shoot?

Traveler · #**321** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donkey_Left

You're changing the rules. If we were talking about protecting my family then I would answer the question.

We're not. We're talking about petty burglary.

Well say it was burglary, at your family's home, then what? Do you let him go or do you shoot?

Quote:

You didn't answer my question above, what do you have that is worth killing over?

I'll get to that in a minute, give me a chance to type!

Donkey_Left · #**322** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler

Well if he was headed my way and i would fear my own life in danger then yes probably....if going the other way then i would point the gun at him and tell him to freeze which i assume he would, if he didn't i don't know but i doubt i'd shoot him over a TV. (He wouldn't be able to get far carrying it). The thing Horn is arguing firstly is that they lunged at him (if anyone other than Ajax would have asked i would have answered why) but if he deemed them a threat to him then why not shoot?

According to the 9-1-1 transcripts it appears he went out with the intent to shoot them.

EricOKC · #**323** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donkey_Left

You're changing the rules. If we were talking about protecting my family then I would answer the question.

We're not. We're talking about petty burglary.

You didn't answer my question above, what do you have that is worth killing over?

Breaking into my home is NOT petty burglary. It is breaking and entering and very likely grand theft.

For fuck's sake, do you value your life and property so little that you would let people just do with it as they wish? Even if you do, why would you think i feel the same?

AjaxPress · #**324** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricOKC

Completely different situation and unrelated.

Its also a stupid question.

We are not discussing state-imposed penalties for a misdemeanor. We are discussing the Texas law which allows a private citizen to protect property with deadly force.

The law is clear and explicit and I believe it has been posted here. Manufacturing pure bullshit and implying it is the same thing does nothing but make you look like a fucking idiot and frankly I'm growing very tired of this line of discussion.

You dont like the law, fine. I really dont care. Move here and change it or STFU.

You're the one who said a criminals life isn't worth a damn. It's sounds like you don't like your own arguement.

Donkey_Left · #**325** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler

Well say it was burglary, at your family's home, then what? Do you let him go or do you shoot?

If he's running away with shit?

I don't shoot.*

*partially because I don't have a gun in my hand, but even if I did.

Traveler · #**326** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AjaxPress

You can't tell a situation just by giving something a casual looksie.

Children can look like adults. Adults can look like children. People can break into their own homes. Lawful mock break-ins can take place. The list goes on.

If i deemed him a threat then yes i would shoot. If he didn't have anything on him and wasn't running off with good but had a weapon i would most deinately shoot if he didn't halt, no way would i risk him doing that to another person.

Donkey_Left · #**327** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricOKC

Breaking into my home is NOT petty burglary. It is breaking and entering and very likely grand theft.

For fuck's sake, do you value your life and property so little that you would let people just do with it as they wish? Even if you do, why would you think i feel the same?

Who said anything about my life. I'm talking about shooting burglars who are leaving with my stuff.

And no, I don't value my stuff over other people's lives, even the lives of criminals.

Traveler · #**328** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donkey_Left

If he's running away with shit?

I don't shoot.*

*partially because I don't have a gun in my hand, but even if I did.

What if he does it to someone else? Say he does have a weapon, what if then does it to the next person on the street and terrorises them too?

Traveler · #**329** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donkey_Left

According to the 9-1-1 transcripts it appears he went out with the intent to shoot them.

Also with the understanding he feared them attacking him. (Or at some point coming to him).

AjaxPress · #**330** (**permalink**) 03-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler

The thing Horn is arguing firstly is that they lunged at him (if anyone other than Ajax would have asked i would have answered why)?

Mrs. M has also asked the question several times:

How do you lunge AT someone and flee FROM them at the same time?