Texas City, Texas

From the Galveston County Daily News of January 29, 2006

Homeowner shoots, kills intruder

A 26-year-old Texas City man was shot and killed late Friday night after he apparently mistook someone else’s home for his own.

Texas City police Sgt. Brian Goetchius said David Wayne Stewart was shot after he kicked in the door of a home in the 900 block of 26th Street North around 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Police said they believe Stewart, who was walking home after picking up some food at a nearby fast food restaurant, was intoxicated and was trying to get into the wrong house.

Stewart’s own home is just blocks away, police said.

Texas City police received a call from a woman saying her husband had just shot someone trying to break into their home. When police arrived, they found Stewart lying inside the front doorway.

Goetchius said the 74-year-old homeowner fired a single shot from a handgun.

While an investigation is ongoing, it is unlikely the homeowner will face any criminal charges.

“We believe it was a justified shooting,” said Goetchius.