Homeowner Cleared of Manslaughter After Killing Teen He Thought Was a Burglar

By Dan Zimmerman

Jeffrey Lovell of Chicopee, Massachusetts is counting his lucky stars today. In 2016, he shot and killed a teenager he believed to be an intruder, and was tried for manslaughters. Last week, he was found not guilty. But the circumstances of the shooting provide a pretty good lesson for home owners, demsonqrating that what you do — or don’t do — during a similar situation could put you in serious legal jeopardy.

Fifteen-year-old Dylan Francisco, who had been drinking, had gone to Lovell’s home just after midnight with two others, thinking it was the home of a friend.

Lovell said although he only saw one person — Francisco — walk from his yard to the side door of his home. His wife had told him three people were trying to get in their house.

Lovell kept a pistol in a safe by the side of his bed.

…he got his gun and walked to the side door, and when the glass in the top portion of the door broke from Francisco pounding on it from the outside, he shot Francisco. …

Lovell said his thought was “if they get in” he can’t control what happens. His gun could be taken from him, he …Read the Rest

Source:: Concealed Nation