Townsend, Tennessee

From the Knoxville News Sentinel of November 17, 2006

Home invasion reported in Blount

A 52-year-old woman fought with two intruders today who disarmed and beat her after her pistol misfired.

Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said the woman, who resides on Old Tuckaleechee Pike, was not seriously injured during the incident.

This is the second home invasion attack this week in Blount County.

Today's was reported about 5:30 a.m. A Sheriff's Office K-9 tracking team arrived at the residence and tracked the suspects a short distance to the end of her next door neighbor's driveway.

The pistol was recovered in the woman's bedroom, and she was treated at the scene by Rural/Metro Ambulance Service.

The Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the robbery.

In a statement, Berrong said this is how the attack unfolded:

The woman was awakened by a loud noise within her residence shortly before 5:30 a.m.

She said she picked up a .32-caliber revolver from her nightstand and went to investigate. As she entered the kitchen, she saw a female in her late 20's, and was then struck with a bar stool from around the corner of the kitchen door by a man.

She attempted to shoot him, but her weapon misfired. She said the man, who is described as wearing a black ski mask, a down-style coat, blue jeans, and wearing gloves, wrestled the gun from her, pinned her to the ground, and punched and kicked her in the face.

He then walked to her bedroom and took several prescription bottles. The woman said the two then left out the front door.

Montgomery County, Texas

From the Houston Chronicle of November 17, 2006

Man shot dead in home of estranged girlfriend in Spring

A 26-year-old woman told Montgomery County authorities today she shot her former boyfriend who would not leave her home near Spring this morning.

Sheriff's deputies and Precinct 3 Constable's officers found Jeffery Keith Phillips, 43, of New Caney, dead this morning in the house in the 4800 block of Neches Court in south Montgomery County. The cause of death is presumably a single gunshot wound to the chest, authorities said.

The ex-girlfriend told authorities the victim appeared at her home while she was away. She apparently had a protective order against Phillips.

The woman told authorities she shot the man in the chest after he refused to leave, officials said.

The investigation by sheriff's detectives was continuing.

Anderson, South Carolina

From Greenville’s FoxCarolina.com of November 17, 2006

McCullough found not guilty

A not guilty verdict was handed down in the April McCullough trial.

She shot and killed her boyfriend in Anderson County almost two years ago. A jury decided, it wasn't murder, it was a case of self-defense.

After hearing the verdict, April McCullough was relieved.

Prosecutors contended in court McCullough murdered Scotty Fowler at her mother's house in February of 2005, but McCullough's attorney told the jury fowler was angry about a pending break-up, and forced his way through the door. That's when McCullough, afraid for her life, shot him in a back bedroom.

McCullough herself was emotionally drained, and didn't say very much, but her attorney, Druanne White, spoke for her.

We received a statement from the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office, saying they respect the jury's verdict, but also saying this was not a clear-cut case of self-defense based on the amount of time the jury deliberated.

Cincinnati, Ohio

From Cincinnati’s WKRC.com of November 17, 2006

No Charges In Fatal Shooting Of Teen

Prosecutors say no charges will be filed in the shooting death of a teenager last month. A Kennedy Heights homeowner, 61 year-old Bennie Hall Jr, shot and killed 14 year-old Quavale Finnell after police say the teen was driving away in the shooter's car.

The Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday: "Due to the rise in violence in his neighborhood and the fact his own grandson was a shooting victim right down the street, Mr. Hall had taken the proper steps to get a Concealed Carry Permit. Forensic evidence also confirms that at the time of the first shot, the car was moving directly towards Mr. Hall. This is consistent with the statements of Mr. Hall and a witness. It is the opinion of this office that Mr. Hall acted in self-defense and no charges will be filed against him.

Prosecutor Deters: "It is a tragedy that this 14-year-old boy lost his life during this incident. Mr. Hall has a right to protect himself with deadly force if his life is in danger or he is in danger of great bodily harm. Based on the totality of the evidence and circumstances, he was doing just that."

San Diego, California

From San Diego’s 10News.com of November 17, 2006

Police: Clerk Pulls Gun On Would-Be Robber

A clerk at a City Heights-area liquor store foiled a would-be armed robber when he pulled his own gun out from behind the counter, authorities said Friday.

The gunman entered T & M Liquor & Market in the 4200 block of El Cajon Boulevard shortly before 11:30 p.m. Thursday and pointed a pistol at the clerk, demanding cash, according to San Diego police.

The clerk, behind a bulletproof-glass partition, responded by pulling out his own handgun and pointing it at the ceiling, prompting the man to run away, said San Diego police Sgt. Rich Nemetz.

Greenville, Mississippi

From the Greenville Delta Democrat Times of November 17, 2006

Judge rules killing was self defense

The 19-year-old female charged in an Oct. 31 fatal shooting has been freed from police custody.

Phyllis Williamson of Greenville was arraigned on Nov. 1 in Greenville Municipal Court before Judge Michael Prewitt.

At that time, Prewitt set William-son's bond on the murder charge at $100,000.

However, during a preliminary hearing last week, Prewitt dismissed the charges against Williamson.

“The charges were dismissed by the judge stating that it was in self-defense,” Lt. Andrew Kaho explained. “However, the Police Department will continue to investigate the case and prepare it for presentation to the grand jury.”
…

Kaho said witnesses told police that Hunt and Williamson and some other people began walking in the 1600 block of East Alexander Street.

“While they were walking, he reportedly then pulled the weapon out again, and that's when Williamson reportedly pulled out a pistol and shot Mr. Hunt,” Kaho said. “He was shot once in the back and once in the left arm. The bullet went through the left arm and into the left side of the chest.”

Kaho said while investigators were still at the scene, Williamson returned to the scene and was taken into custody. She was charged with one count of murder.

Kansas City, Missouri

From the TheKansasCityChannel.com of November 16, 2006

East-Side Homeowner Fires At Intruder

No One Injured

An east-side homeowner is keeping his rifle handy to scare away a persistent robber, KMBC's Jim Flink reported Thursday.

The 68-year-old veteran, who didn't want to be identified, said he was watching TV before going to bed when he heard an intruder and grabbed his rifle.

"I heard the glass break and I looked around, and I see an arm coming through the window and I fired," the homeowner said .

He said he fired one shot, but he didn't injure the intruder.

"If I had taken the time to really draw a bead on him, I could have hit him, but I just looked in that direction and fired," he said.

He said he regrets the act of violence, but this is the third time someone has broken into his home.

"I would hate to kill anyone's son, but you've got to think if someone is willing to break into your home in the middle of the night, for whatever reason, you have to expect them to have a weapon," the homeowner said. "I hope I frightened him enough to where he won't come back here anymore."