Phoenix, Arizona



From the Arizona Republic of April 29, 2004:

Homeowner shoots, kills intruder, 38



A 63-year-old homeowner fatally shot one of two brothers who were trying to break into his south Phoenix home, police said.



The man, whose name was not released, heard a living- room window shatter and saw an arm come through the glass Tuesday afternoon at his home in the 1600 block of West Donner Drive, said Sgt. Randy Force, a spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department.



"He's fearful, he knows there have been a lot of burglaries in the area," Force said.



The man grabbed a handgun and fired at the two men, hitting Ronald Freese, 38.



Police said Freese's brother Rudy, 40, ran to his nearby home to get relatives so they could check on Ronald.



Ronald Freese was declared dead at Maricopa County Medical Center.



Meanwhile, Rudy, who wasn't injured, returned to the shooting site while police were still on the scene.



Officers arrested him, and he is being held in connection with the attempted burglary.



Rudy could face first- degree murder charges if prosecutors allege he was involved in a crime that resulted in a death.



The homeowner wasn't available for comment.



Force said the home is in a new development, and the homeowner had only recently moved in.



"He and his wife were already considering moving," Force said.