Southern Tide Founder was Justified in Shooting Death of Trespasser

By Jenn Jacques

On March 19, 2016, businessman Allen Stephenson shot and killed a man trespassing on his South Carolina estate.

Authorities say the 32-year-old founder of the clothing company Southern Tide fatally shot Matthew Whitman as he refused to stop trespassing the grounds of the estate, walking down a quarter-mile-long driveway leading from a locked gate to the home.

According to Sheriff Steve Loftis, Stephenson’s girlfriend called 911 to report a trespasser on the property. Stephenson stood on his porch and advised Whitman to stop, even firing two warning shots in the air from a shotgun.

According to Loftis, Stephenson then approached Whitman, who tried to stab him with a folding hunting knife. At that point, the sheriff said, Stephenson “fired five times, hitting Whitman three times —in the arm, face and chest”.

Prosecutor Walt Wilkins held a press conference to announce Stephenson will not face charges in the shooting death of Whitman, confirming he acted in self defense:

Wilkins said Stephenson was legally standing his ground on his property, defending himself and his girlfriend, and therefore was immune from prosecution.

“He was justified in shooting the suspect under the circumstances and the facts that we have,” Wilkins said of Stephenson. “He …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms