Kokomo, Indiana

From South Bend’s WSBT.com of September 6, 2006

Man Fatally Shot Teen During Apparent Robbery

Police say a Kokomo man who answered his door after midnight found two would-be armed robbers on his porch. But he was armed, too.

Police say one teenager is dead and another teen faces surgery after 61-year-old Michael Slonaker shot both suspects.

The shooting occurred about 12:30am Wednesday. Police found 16-year-old Nathan Smith shot in the chest at the scene, where he was pronounced dead. His alleged accomplice, 17-year-old Justin Smith, went to the hospital with a wounded knee. He was being taken to Indianapolis for surgery.

Slonaker told police he found two white males with a shotgun and a baseball bat waiting when he answered his door. Police say he fired two shots.

Police say Slonaker is licensed to carry a firearm, but he doesn’t need a permit to have one in his home