Kansas City, Missouri

From the Kansas City Channel of August 3, 2007

Landlord Shoots, Kills Intruder, Police Say

A landlord shot and killed an intruder at a house in the 6100 block of Indiana Avenue early Friday morning, police said.

According to authorities, the landlord was having some problems at the house. He went to check on the place at about 12:30 a.m. and was confronted by the intruder.

The landlord told police that the intruder came at him and he shot the man. The man died from his injuries. His name has not been released.

The landlord was not hurt. The shooting is under investigation.

From Fox4 of August 3, 2007

Homeowner Shoots, Kills Suspected Burglar

People in one south Kansas City neighborhood are supporting the actions of a homeowner who police said defended himself after he caught a man burglarizing his home.

Police believe the man who was shot and killed broke into the house to steal valuables inside. The armed owner prevented that from happening.

The owner, Wilbert Veal, called 911 just before 1 a.m., telling police he was armed with a handgun and had just shot someone in his basement. Police believe the dead man was a burglar. Next door neighbor Gloria Bogle can't believe what happened.

"We never have anything like that here. That was very strange. I can't get over it, to hear that," Bogle said.

Police said the home is vacant, but Veal was there Thursday night to check on the house and heard a noise in the basement. When he went downstairs he told police the burglar lunged at him.

Police said Veal had a gun with him when he went to investigate the noise, and he shot the burglar to protect himself. Neighbors said property owners taking their safety and security into their own hands should send a message to criminals.

"I think they better be careful because you never know what somebody's gonna do," neighbor Christopher Ellis said. "Everbody's looking out for themselves nowadays. Even homeowners. Burglars beware!"

Veal has been questioned by police and released. Although break-ins haven't been a big problem on the block, neighbors said Veal's actions have made them think twice about how they would defend themselves and protect their property.

Police have not yet released the name of the man who was killed.