Authorities said that a homeowner shot and killed an intruder on the morning of Sunday, May 14, during a confrontation at a south Phoenix residence. Officers responded to a shooting call at around 7:45 a.m. and found a man with gunshot wounds, the Phoenix Police Department said.
The alleged intruder, Aires Jordan Holmes, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Preliminary information suggests Holmes unlawfully entered the residence at which time there was a confrontation between Holmes and the homeowner,” Sgt. Robert Scherer said in a press release. Continuing, he added, “It was during this confrontation that the homeowner shot Holmes.”
Following their arrival at the scene of the shooting, the homeowner was interviewed by investigators to determine if it was a justified shooting. It appears that they at least thought it was, as the homeowner was released. However, the case will still be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which will determine if charges are warranted.
Under Arizona’s Castle Doctrine, “Deadly force is justified in cases where the individual feels it is necessary to defend them selves or others against murder, great bodily harm, rape, or kidnapping. This applies to the person’s home, place of business, or anywhere the person has the right to be.”
That is somewhat less permissive than many state Castle Doctrine Laws, which presume the use of force was justified if within your home. However, so long as the victim of the home invasion here has a reason for the use of deadly force, it should be a justified use of deadly force.
And the victim here, if he paid attention to the crime news in his city, had cause to be afraid of a home invasion: one in March turned deadly for the victim, with three “teens” killing him after he confronted them. Fox 10, reporting on that, said:
Three teenagers have been arrested after a Phoenix homeowner was killed during a botched burglary earlier this week.
Police say Manuel Hinojos, 26, was shot and killed after confronting the teens at his home near 29th Avenue and Moreland Street on March 14.
“Information gathered showed that three teenaged males were committing a burglary at the residence when they were confronted by the owner, Hinojos, who was armed,” said Sgt. Robert Scherer with Phoenix Police.
Hinojos and one of the teens exchanged gunfire, and both of them were struck. The two other teenagers involved ran away on foot.
The homeowner died at the hospital, and the suspect who was shot survived his injuries.
The three alleged burglars were eventually all arrested and referred to the Juvenile Correction Center. Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection to the homicide.
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