An Alabama man faced the frightening prospect Tuesday evening of having another person use force to enter their locked apartment and come after them.
And while the state has a strong “Stand Your Ground” law to protect innocent citizens from attack, there is still uncertainty involved in any self-defense shooting.
Will an overzealous prosecutor attempt to make a name for themselves and use the intended victim as a political prop? Could officials pander to the suspect’s family and supporters by claiming that lethal force was not justified?
Retreat and a locked door did not stop the alleged attack
A Huntsville resident was reportedly engaged in a dispute with a man, identified as 34-year-old Demetrius Paige.
The apartment resident tried to defuse the confrontation by going into his residence and locking the door. That effort, however, failed when Paige allegedly forced his way inside.
The resident then fired a single shot at the suspect.
The same bullet struck two people in the apartment
Paige was struck, and responding authorities transported him to Huntsville Hospital, where he later died. Another person present in the apartment was hit by the same bullet that killed the suspect, though they only suffered minor injuries.
Evidence from the Huntsville Police’s Major Crimes Unit was gathered and submitted to the Madison County District Attorney’s Office. Officials there announced that the resident will not face charges for what was an obvious case of self-defense.
A different state might produce a very different outcome in a similar situation, but Alabama law clearly sides with the victims, not the perpetrators.
Critics love to blast “Stand Your Ground” laws as promoting vigilantism and “shoot first, ask questions later.” But time and time again, these statutes protect citizens who have every right to defend themselves and not be forced to turn tail and run.
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