A Missouri man brandishing brass knuckles was stopped by an armed homeowner during a terrifying late-night break-in attempt. The suspect, 31-year-old John Fisher of East Prairie, reportedly broke a window and tried to force his way into the Scott County home of Austin and his wife, prompting a swift and lethal response from the armed resident. Authorities say the homeowner acted lawfully and in defense of his family, underscoring Missouri’s strong self-defense laws.
Intruder Ignored Warnings and Provoked Armed Response
The incident unfolded just before midnight on Friday, when John Fisher arrived uninvited at the Glastetter residence. According to Sheriff Derick Wheetley, Fisher used a pair of brass knuckles to shatter a window and began pounding on the front door in what residents described as a threatening and aggressive manner.
Austin Glastetter, the homeowner, quickly retrieved a firearm to protect himself and his wife. In an effort to avoid violence, he reportedly issued a warning to Fisher, making it clear he was armed and prepared to defend his home. Instead of retreating, Fisher allegedly responded with a chilling declaration: “You’ll have to kill me.”
Faced with a man breaking into his home, ignoring warnings, and armed with a deadly weapon, Glastetter made a split-second decision. He fired six shots through the door, four of which struck Fisher. When deputies arrived, they found the suspect dead on the doorstep, brass knuckles still in hand.
There is no indication that Fisher and the Glastetters knew each other, suggesting this was a random and unpredictable attack—one that could have ended far worse if the homeowners had not been prepared to defend themselves.
Law Enforcement Affirms Self-Defense Under Missouri Law
Scott County officials were quick to defend the homeowner’s actions. Sheriff Wheetley explained that Glastetter’s use of force was legally justified under Missouri’s self-defense statutes, specifically Section 563.031 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which allows for the use of deadly force in defense of persons or property when facing an imminent threat.
“Based on initial findings, the homeowner’s actions appear to have been justified in defense of themselves and their household,” Wheetley said. “The safety and protection of one’s home is a fundamental right.”
In Missouri, residents have no legal obligation to retreat when threatened in their own homes. Known as a “Castle Doctrine” state, Missouri grants homeowners the authority to use force—including deadly force—when faced with an unlawful and potentially violent intrusion.
This case is being treated as a tragic, but clear-cut example of self-defense. The investigation remains ongoing, but no charges have been filed, and none are expected based on the information currently available.
Second Amendment and Self-Defense Rights on Full Display
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of the right to self-defense. For the Glastetters, the ability to lawfully own and use a firearm may have been the only thing standing between life and death. The suspect’s aggressive and erratic behavior, coupled with the weapon in his possession and his refusal to back down, left the homeowner with little choice.
Critics of gun ownership often overlook these real-world scenarios, where law-abiding citizens are forced to make life-or-death decisions in seconds. While the outcome was tragic, it’s also a powerful example of why the Second Amendment remains vital in today’s unpredictable world.
Residents in Missouri and other states with strong self-defense laws can take comfort in knowing that their rights to protect themselves and their loved ones are supported by law. The Glastetter family’s terrifying ordeal ended with their safety intact—thanks to their preparedness and the protections enshrined in Missouri law.
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