Barnwell, SC

10/25/16 WRDW/WAGT:

A Barnwell woman will not face charges for shooting her son after he allegedly threatened her and attacked the mother of his children.

According to Chief Reuben Black, Bettie Ann Newton shot Venson Jones outside her Turner Street home on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Chief Black said that Jones was attacking the mother of his 4 children, 37-year-old Wanda Badger.

According to the incident report, Newton told investigators that he did exactly what he said he was going to do. She told them that Jones threatened to assault her and burn her house down just the day before. She went to the store where Badger worked to let her know what he said. Newton claims that Jones asked for a hammer to bust open Badger's head and kill her, and then carry out his original plan to assault his mother and burn her house down.

Elko, NV: Careful Who You Room With

From May 4, 2015  Elko Daily:

ELKO — Initial investigation reveals that a man might have killed another man in self-defense during a fight early Sunday morning.

Elko police are investigating the homicide of Clinton Hopper, 32, who was killed Sunday morning in his girlfriend’s apartment by Frank Criswell.

Criswell, 28, and the apartment renter, Alesha Piccinini, 29, had gone on a date the evening before, Elko Police Lt. Rich Genseal said. The two had met a few weeks ago. They returned to Piccinini’s apartment at about 3 a.m. Sunday.

At about 6:40 a.m., Hopper entered the apartment. He was in a relationship with Piccinini and had a key to the apartment, Detective Dennis Price said.

Then Criswell got up to see who had entered the apartment, Hopper allegedly hit him in the head with a blunt object, which police believe was a skateboard. The two men then began fighting and punching each other, Genseal said.

At some point, Criswell grabbed a .45-caliber pistol that belonged to him and shot Hopper once through the neck. Genseal said at the time, Hopper — a 6-foot, 5-inch tall man who weighed 235 pounds — was on top of the 5-foot, 8-inch tall, 165-pound Criswell and choking him. Criswell claimed he was beginning to black out.

From May 17, 2015 Elko Daily News:

ELKO — Further investigation supports the finding that the shooting death of a California man on May 3 was justifiable homicide, according to police.

Elko Police Lt. Rich Genseal said investigators are not going to pursue charges against Frank Criswell, who reportedly shot and killed Clinton Hopper during a fight in Alesha Piccinini’s apartment.
 

Some Situations Argue For An Intermediary

From Aug. 19, 2015 Orlando Sentinel:

One day before Easter, Michael Reid lay dying on the floor of a house near Pine Hills.

Reid was 22. He was on his back, blood from five bullet wounds pooling around him. There was a gun holster in his waistband, and a loaded 9 mm pistol, his mother's, inches from his hand.

And there were witnesses who all said the same thing: Reid went to the house uninvited to get a few belongings from Nikita Jackson, an ex-girlfriend. He was arguing with her and five people she brought home with her, including Jaime Agustin Casanova-Nater, a friend's boyfriend. When Reid pulled out his mother's gun, the witnesses said, Casanova grabbed his legally concealed .45-caliber Springfield Armory pistol and fired six shots.

Faced with the testimony and evidence, the local State Attorney's Office declined to prosecute the case Aug. 5.

Domestic Violence Ends in Justifiable Homicide

From Nov. 12, 2015 KNBC:

Tingirides said the investigation was in its early stages, but it appeared that a dispute led one family member to shoot two others. Another family member also got a gun and opened fire on the original shooter.

Family members identified the two who died as Ponstella Everson and her son-in-law Michael Pineda. Relatives learned from police that investigators believe Pineda  was the initial aggressor, wounding his wife, Tonya, and killing his mother-in-law.  Ponstella Everson's son Ronald, Tonya's brother, also became involved.

"He defended her," said Donna Harris, who identified herself as a cousin of  Ponstella Everson.  It was Harris's understanding that Ronald Everson shot to death Pineda.

Teenaged Son Protects Mom From Ex-Husband

Dover, Delaware

From the October 29, 2009 Wilmington (Del.) News-Journal:

One of the teenage sons of a Dover woman being assaulted by her ex-husband grabbed a shotgun and fired into the air to get his father to stop the attack, Dover police said.

The victim's estranged husband, Jeremy S. Stanislow, 32, of the 1100 block of Smyrna Clayton Blvd. in Smyrna, was charged with three counts of assault, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and disorderly conduct.

He was later released on $3,000 bail.

Dover police Lt. Steve Getek said officers Tuesday night were sent to the first block of Forest Creek Drive about 7 p.m. to investigate a domestic incident.

The victim told officers that she and her estranged husband argued over custody issues because he wanted to take their youngest child with him for the evening.

The argument turned physical and Stanislow shoved the victim off the steps and started assaulting her, Getek said.

When the woman's 16-year-old son saw his father attacking his mother he picked up a board and hit Stanislow in the back, according to court records.

Then, when the woman tried to stop Stanislow from beating up on his son, he turned and began punching her until she blacked out, police said in court records.

At this point, the woman's 14-year-old son came out of the house holding a shotgun, pointed it in the air and fired in an effort to get his father to stop attacking his mother, police said.

Stanislow then ran.

Father Shoots Son In Self-Defense

Harkers Island, South Carolina

From the October 9, 2009 South Carolina News-Times:

BEAUFORT — No charges will be filed against the Harkers Island man who fatally shot his son in his home recently.

The County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday that District Attorney Scott Thomas would not file charges against Cleveland Hackworth, 67, who shot and killed his son, Blake Hackworth, 45, in an incident at the family residence on Harkers Island on Sept. 27.

Mr. Thomas was unable to be reached for comment by presstime.

According to Capt. Jason Wank, based upon the facts and the law, Mr. Thomas reviewed the sheriff’s department’s case and concluded the incident was a justifiable homicide and that no criminal charges will be filed against Cleveland Hackworth.

The incident occurred following a day of aggressive behavior by the son that included attempted assault on his mother and his threatening to kill her.

“Family members said Mr. Hackworth had been exhibiting combative behavior for most of the day when the shooting took place,” Chief Deputy Ken Raper said at the time of the incident.

Police reports stated Blake Hackworth died Sept. 27 from the head wound he sustained after his father shot him as the junior Hackworth attempted to attack both his father and his mother, Peggy Hackworth.

North Carolina: Sheriff: Revenge likely motive for fatal home invasion

Halifax, North Carolina

From WRAL of October 2, 2009

Sheriff: Revenge likely motive for fatal home invasion

A New Jersey man who was shot and killed during a home invasion in Halifax Friday morning was likely seeking revenge for a two decade-old domestic dispute, according to Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Frazier.

The investigation is ongoing into details of the 1988 dispute between Marcel Alston, of Halifax, and Carlton L. Burgess, 61, of Lumberton, N.J. Frazier said.

"It's baffling right now. We've got a lot of loose ends that we've got to try to tie up," said Lt. Bobby Martin, with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said that a knock woke up Alston around 7 a.m. at his house at 5524 U.S. Highway 301, where he lives alone. When Alston opened the door, Burgess, who had a gun, began assaulting Alston.

Alston got away and was climbing up the stairs when Burgess fired, striking his victim in the buttocks, investigators said. Alston managed to get to his bedroom and got out a gun he kept there.

Burgess followed Alston into the bedroom, and Alston fatally shot him in the upper torso, according to investigators.

According to a 911 call, Alston went to a neighbor's for help after the shootings.

In addition to a gunshot wound, Alston suffered a gash on the head. He was undergoing surgery at Halifax Regional Hospital Friday afternoon. His condition was stable, Frazier said.

Alston acknowledged his acquaintance with Burgess and said they hadn't seen each other in several years.

Deputies were examining a white van with New Jersey license plate parked in front of Alston's house that Burgess might have driven. Investigators were also searching a room at the Days Inn in Weldon where Burgess had checked in Wednesday.

Frazier said the killing appeared to be a case of self-defense. The Halifax County District Attorney's Office has to decide whether charges will be filed.

Neighbors said they were stunned this happened to Alston, who has been their friend for years.

"It shocked me," neighbor Leroy Lynch said. "I'm really sad. He's a real nice man."

Ex-Boyfriend Gets Shot In Houston

Houston, Texas

From the August 22, 2009 Houston Chronicle:

A man accused of kicking in the door of his ex-girlfriend's Spring home was recovering from a gunshot wound on Saturday.

Johnnie W. Cunningham III, 31, faces a burglary charge after police say he forced his way into a home in the 7000 block of Treaschwig late Friday night.

While the ex-girlfriend and another man slept, Cunningham began beating and kicking their back door around 10 p.m., said Thomas Gilliland, a Harris County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

Through the closed door, the ex-girlfriend told Cunningham to leave.

“He became belligerent, kicked the door open and gained entry to the house,” Gilliland said.

When Cunningham began struggling with the woman, the other man came out of a bedroom with a handgun. He ordered Cunningham to leave several times, but Cunningham continued to shove his former girlfriend, police say.

“At this time, the male occupant fired a warning shot into the ceiling,” Gilliland said. “The suspect again was belligerent and started towards the male complainant. The male complainant fired one time, striking the suspect in the upper chest.”

The shooter called 911 to report injuring an intruder.

Cunningham was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition.

The shooter has not been charged, Gilliland said.

Atlanta Man Shoots Girlfriend's Ex In Self Defense

Atlanta, Georgia

From July 28, 2009 channel 11:

ATLANTA (AP) -- Police say a man who shot and killed his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend was acting in self defense.

The shooting happened just after 3 p.m. Monday at an apartment in the 2,000 block of Lenox Road.

Atlanta police Maj. Renee Propes said the shooting victim waited outside his ex-girlfriend's apartment until her new boyfriend came home. Propes said the man attacked the new boyfriend and the fight continued into the apartment, where the new boyfriend shot and killed the ex-boyfriend.

Propes said charges aren't likely to be filed.

West Virginia: Mason County man fatally shoots his son

New Haven, West Virginia

From the Charleston Daily Mail of July 12, 2009

Mason County man fatally shoots his son

State Police say a Mason County man is claiming self defense after fatally shooting his son during a dispute in his New Haven home.

Troopers said Lyman Greenlee fired a single shot at his son Charles Scott Greenlee, 35, of Point Pleasant. The incident happened about 10 p.m. Friday, said Trooper A.D. Wooton, the investigating officer.

Charles Greenlee died of his injuries.

Charles Greenlee had gone to the Seventh Street home of his father and stepmother earlier Friday evening and the three of them got into an argument, troopers said.

State Police spokesman Michael Baylous said Charles Greenlee assaulted his father and then began assaulting his stepmother, whose name has not been released. At that time, Lyman Greenlee retrieved a small- to medium-sized handgun and ordered his son to stop, Baylous said.

Troopers said Lyman Greenlee then fired one shot, which struck his son.

State Police said alcohol might have been a factor in the incident.

Troopers said Lyman Greenlee was questioned Friday night and that the man has cooperated fully with the investigation. He told officers he shot his son in self-defense, Baylous said.

Lyman Greenlee was not arrested, nor has he been charged, police said.

Baylous said the case will be handed over to the Mason County prosecutor's office and taken to a grand jury, which will decide if the evidence merits an indictment.

State Police still are investigating.

Maryland: Woman Kills Husband in Apparent Self-Defense

Prince George's County, Maryland

From the Washington Post of June 25, 2009

Woman Kills Husband in Apparent Self-Defense

A Prince George's County woman fatally shot her husband in an apparent act of self-defense Saturday after he attacked her at the Capitol Heights duplex where the pair lived in separate units, according to police and neighbors.

Just after 8 a.m., authorities said, police were called to the home in the 700 block of Capitol Heights Boulevard on a report of a domestic dispute. In front of the house, they found Richard Marcellous Wilson, 30, with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Police said Wilson's wife fired the fatal shot.

The circumstances of the incident are unclear, but police think that the shooting "appears to have been in self-defense," said Cpl. Mike Rodriguez, a spokesman for the Prince George's police department. Wilson, police said, had violated an active protective order when he attacked his wife.

Rodriguez declined to name the shooter because she is a victim in the case and has not been charged.

(More)

Texas: Police: Suspect treated for gunshot wound then jailed

Wichita Falls, Texas

From the Times Record News of June 10, 2009

Police: Suspect treated for gunshot wound then jailed

A man was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg then taken to the Wichita County Jail on assault charges in connection with an incident Monday, said Officer Harold McClure, public information officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department.

Perrion Lavell Warrior, 46, was charged with three counts of aggravated assault family violence in connection with the incident. His bond was set at $60,000 and he was being held Tuesday in the Wichita County Jail.

According to reports:

Police were called to the 500 block of Marconi to check on reports of shots fired about 10 p.m.

Officers talked to a 44-year-old woman who said she was threatened by her live-in boyfriend. She said he was intoxicated and they were arguing in the bedroom.

Her 24-year-old daughter lives next door and came over when she heard the commotion. At about the same time, the victim’s 22-year-old son showed up.

The woman’s children arrived and found the suspect holding a knife to the woman’s throat.

Both children asked the suspect to put the knife down and tried to get him to leave. He threatened them, and said they would all be dead before he left.

The son left the room, came back with a handgun, and shot Warrior once in the left leg.

The suspect was taken to the emergency room in a private vehicle, where police took him into custody and then to jail. His injury was not considered life threatening.

The assault victim’s son does not face any charges for the incident because the shooting was considered self-defense.

Tennessee: Man Fires In Self-Defense, Kills Attacker

Lookout Mountain, Georgia

From WTVC of June 9, 2009

Man Fires In Self-Defense, Kills Attacker

An act of self-defense leaves a Lookout Mountain, Georgia man dead and a family grieving.

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said his deputies tried to stop an on-going, heated family dispute but it was just too late.

"Unfortunate for the victim, the victim's family and the person that had to do the shooting," Sheriff Wilson said.

Harry Lee Derryberry, known as Chuck, was just 45-years-old when his life ended in a field on his family's property in Rising Fawn on Lookout Mountain. He had been shot in the groin with a 12-gauge shotgun. His family called 911 earlier saying they needed help quickly with a domestic dispute that turned violent.

"Upon speaking with the deputy arriving on the scene, he told me he actually heard the gunshot when the gun was fired," Sheriff Wilson explained.

Sheriff Wilson said Brian Lee Walden fired the gun, acting in self-defense and is not being charged. He and several family members were assaulted by Derryberry - the result of an argument over one of his sons.

"It appears that a 62-year-old female victim sustained injuries along with maybe one or two other people, along with the shooter," Sheriff Wilson said.

The family told a story of Derryberry that included a life of alcoholism and depression. The family said Derryberry had threatened his own life and others during a fit of rage Monday evening. They and the sheriff said after Walden was struck in the face Walden got his shotgun and told Derryberry to stay away.

"Pretty well warned the victim, said stay away but he came at him in an aggressive manner," Sheriff Wilson said.

District Attorney Buzz Franklin reviewed the circumstances and evidence, along with the Georgia law and found that Walden's actions were justified.

Derryberry was a father of three children.

Texas: Midlothian man's fatally shot at Arlington house, police say

Midlothian, Texas

From the Star-Telegram of April 27, 2009

Midlothian man's fatally shot at Arlington house, police say

A 42-year-old Midlothian man was fatally shot in Friday night by his former father-in-law, Arlington police said.

Police said the shooting appeared to be in self-defense, and that they would turn over evidence to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office for a determination. No one has been arrested.

Rodney Kennedy was at a home in the 1400 block of Pecan Street when he was shot by his former father-in-law, 67, police said. The shooting happened at 10 p.m. during an altercation, according to reports.

The house is near the University of Texas at Arlington.

Oregon: Springfield police say fatal shooting was self-defense

Springfield, Oregon

From KTMR of April 22, 2009

Springfield police say fatal shooting was self-defense

Police say a fatal shooting in Springfield was an act of self-defense.

The shooting happened Monday night at a home on the 2300 block of E Street. Investigators say Rodolfo Baldenegro, 47, went to the home looking for his estranged girlfriend. Investigators say the woman had filed a restraining order against him.

Police say Baldenegro forced his way into the residence and got into a fight with the woman and another man. Police say the other man shot Baldenegro in self-defense. Baldenegro died at the hospital.

Florida: Wife shoots husband in self-defense, Winter Haven police say

Winter Haven, Florida

From the News Chief of April 14, 2009

Wife shoots husband in self-defense, Winter Haven police say

A local woman's act of self-defense might have saved her life and the lives of four family members, the Winter Haven Police Department reported.

According to police, a Winter Haven man who threatened early Tuesday to shoot and kill members of his family instead was shot by his wife.

The man, 34-year-old Troy A. Christoff, was treated for multiple gunshot wounds at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, according to a police report. He was charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and, after being released from the hospital under police custody, was booked without bond into the Polk County Jail in Bartow.

According to the report, Winter Haven police responded around 4 a.m. Tuesday to a reported shooting at 1121 Seventh St., S.W., the home of Troy and Dawn Christoff. When they arrived, police discovered that Troy Christoff had been shot multiple times with a 9mm handgun. The shooter was identified as his wife, 35-year-old Dawn Christoff.

Witness statements and an examination of physical evidence indicate that Troy Christoff intended to shoot several members of his family who lived with him, according to the police report. Prior to the shooting, he had armed himself with a handgun and begun to load the weapon, stating which member of his family each bullet was intended for.

When the handgun was loaded, Troy Christoff raised the weapon and pointed it at his wife, according to the report. The wife, who had armed herself with another handgun to protect herself and other family members, fired multiple shots at her husband, striking him several times.

Troy Christoff was airlifted to the Lakeland hospital to be treated for his gunshot wounds.

According to Polk County Jail records, Troy Christoff has been arrested on four previous occasions going back to July 2004. Past charges included battery, disorderly intoxication, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, driving under the influence and violation of parole.

Police considered the shooting to be an act of self-defense, but detectives are still investigating, according to the report. Anyone with information to add is asked to call Detective Steve Rusich at 863-291-5304.

Tennessee: Police Say Dad Shot Son in Fight

Nashville, Tennessee

From NewsChannel5 of April 4, 2009

Police Say Dad Shot Son in Fight

Metro Police believe a father shot his 32-year old son, but he may not face charges. Investigators think the gunshots were the result of a fight.

Investigators said, late Saturday afternoon in North Nashville, a father and son were fighting when the shooting happened.

Police do not anticipate charges against the father because they say he was acting in self defense. The son is in critical, but stable condition.

New York: Man jailed with a gunshot wound after harassing ex-wife

Catskill, New York

From WCAX of April 1, 2009

Man jailed with a gunshot wound after harassing ex-wife

A 47-year-old man is in the Greene County jail with a gunshot wound after State Police say he showed up drunk at his estranged wife's home and harassed her and her sister.

Troopers got a call around 5:30 Monday evening from a 49-year-old woman who said she had just shot her sister's ex-husband.

Police say Geraldine Finelli armed herself with a 20-gauge shotgun after Donald Case Jr. showed up making threats. When Case refused to leave, she fired one round toward the ground, striking Case in the lower leg.

He took off, but was stopped by Catskill village police and taken to the hospital for treatment of the wound. When he was released, State Police charged him with second-degree burglary.

He was arraigned and jailed on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

Father Shoots Son In Self-Defense

Oak Grove, Alabama

From the January 16, 2009 Birmingham News:

An Oak Grove man shot his son late Wednesday after authorities say the son attacked his mother with a broomstick and then stabbed his girlfriend.

Colter Roberts, 21, was in stable condition at UAB Hospital with two wounds from his father's 12-gauge shotgun, said Jefferson County sheriff's spokesman Lt. Randy Christian.

Deputies received a 911 hang-up call from a home on Camp Oliver Road just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The dispatcher tried to call the number but got no answer. While deputies were en route, someone called back, screaming that a father had to shoot his son who was attacking the family, Christian said.

Investigators say Colter Roberts had first attacked his 48-year-old mother with his fists and then beat her with the broomstick. He then went after his 30-year-old girlfriend with a knife.

Colter Roberts' 7-year-old sister was in the home, but not injured, Christian said.

Colter Roberts then ran from the kitchen into a hallway with a knife, screaming that he was going to kill everyone in the house. He also used the knife to slash the walls of the hallway and headed into the bedroom where his father was sleeping.

Van Roberts, 48, tried to talk to his son, but told police his efforts were unsuccessful. He described his son as "a madman running at him with a knife, screaming," Christian said.

Van Roberts grabbed his shotgun and warned his son, but the son failed to drop the knife. Van Roberts fired one shot, striking his son in the arm.

Colter Roberts continued with the attack, and his father fired another shot, striking him in the torso, Christian said. Colter Roberts has a history of drug abuse and violence, Christian said.

Alabama: Man shoots alleged attacker

Pell City, Alabama

From the Cullman Times of January 5, 2009

Man shoots alleged attacker

A Pell City man is in the hospital with a gunshot wound after he allegedly broke into a Hanceville residence and attacked the owner Saturday.

According to Hanceville police reports, the gunshot victim was 32-year-old Charles Kendrick.

“He was shot once in the stomach with a 25-caliber automatic,” said Lt. Jimmy Rodgers of the Hanceville Police Department. “Further investigation has ruled it was a self-defense shooting.”

Rodgers said the shooting took place at approximately 7:20 p.m. at a residence on Commercial Street.

“The owner of the residence was at home when this guy (Kendrick) jumped on him and began to fight him,” Rodgers said. “The owner went inside and locked the door and retrieved a handgun.”

Rodgers said Kendrick allegedly then began smashing the back windows of the residence and tried to enter.

“The owner pointed the gun at him to prevent him from entering,” Rodgers said. “The gun was unloaded at this point.”

Undeterred, Kendrick allegedly continued to break the window and then entered the home, Rodgers said. The homeowner then went into his bedroom and locked the door.

“The perpetrator kicked in the door, at which point he was shot by the resident,” Rodgers said.

Paramedics treated Kendrick at the scene and then transported him to UAB Hospital.

An investigation revealed the attack was a type of domestic violence situation, Rodgers said.

“The homeowner’s girlfriend has kids by the perpetrator, and apparently he was upset about the kids and took it out on the boyfriend,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers noted Kendrick could face criminal charges once he is released from the hospital, including a charge of burglary.