Texas City: man found not guilty in self-defense case

[seamusTX]

In May 2008, three men attempted the strong-arm robbery of a 25-year-old Texas City man. One of the assailants punched the victim. The victim produced a pocket knife and stabbed the robber in the heart, killing him.

The defender was charged with criminal homicide, and his bail was set at $100,000. He could not make bail, so he was in jail through this week. He had a jury trial. The jury found him not guilty.

http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewc ... 606282aef7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewc ... e109d69473" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I suspect this case has gone under the radar because it did not involve a firearm or anyone who is wealthy or glamorous.

- Jim

[longtooth]

Probably right on that count. This goes to verify 2 things.
1. Knife is a very viable defenst weapon.
2. If it is the hads of the BG it is definately a lethal assault weapon.

[WildBill]

Probably right on that count. This goes to verify 2 things.
1. Knife is a very viable defenst weapon.
2. If it is the hads of the BG it is definately a lethal assault weapon.

3. Get a CHL and defend yourself with a gun and you are less likely to be charged. Only BGs use knives.

[RiverRat]

Only BGs use knives.

That what my grandfather used to say. How old are you Longtooth? Glad it worked out in favor of self defense.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Probably right on that count. This goes to verify 2 things.
1. Knife is a very viable defenst weapon.
2. If it is the hads of the BG it is definately a lethal assault weapon.

This is why I carry both my XD.45 and 2x knives.

[Fangs]

I read a study a while back that claimed, at close range, wounds from knives were more likely to be lethal than gunshot wounds.

Also, about 6 months ago I heard a story on the radio about a lady's boyfriend and ex-husband getting in a knife vs. gun fight in Austin. I believe both died.

I carry both a knife and a gun, although I do use the knife more often for practical things like accessing food through plastic.

[Liberty]

8 months in jail, because he defended himself. Its rough not having much money. I hear it was real bad at the Galveston Jail following Ike.
Sometimes you lose even if you win.

[FlynJay]

8 months in jail, because he defended himself. Its rough not having much money. I hear it was real bad at the Galveston Jail following Ike.
Sometimes you lose even if you win.

And in that time he has probably been evicted from his apartment and all of his belongings thrown in the trash. I wonder how much this case has set him back in life; I hope he can recover.

[seamusTX]

He was living with his grandmother, so he probably is OK on that count.

This situation would have been very tough for a man who was supporting a family and paying a mortgage.

- Jim

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Its a sad thing but I am glad he is out, not guilty and able to get on with his life.

[hheremtp]

It's great that he was found not guilty, but IMHO he should never have been charged in the first place. It sounds like there is a DA down there that doesnt think people should have the right to defend themselves.

Steve

[seamusTX]

Well, plenty of people have been no-billed after defensive shootings in this county. There must have been something about this case that looked suspicious. Without knowing all the details, we can't know what it was.

I think I can generalize that killing an unarmed man who is not breaking into your home puts a person on thin ice. That has been the case from Gordon Hale through Joe Horn.

- Jim

[davlanders]

I don't know the specifics of the situation. However, 8 months in jail sucks, but I bet he was happy to spend 8 months in jail vs. being dead. I know I would. If this truly was a defensive situation, then yes he should not have been jailed and someone needs to answer for it.

[CopOnce]

If this truly was a defensive situation, then yes he should not have been jailed and someone needs to answer for it.

I'm betting you will see a law suit coming along shortly.

[Liberty]

I don't know the specifics of the situation. However, 8 months in jail sucks, but I bet he was happy to spend 8 months in jail vs. being dead. I know I would. If this truly was a defensive situation, then yes he should not have been jailed and someone needs to answer for it.

I don't think many of us would be happy about spending 8 months in the Galveston Jail even if the the alternative was getting killed. Just because the alternative isn't any better doesn't mean many of us would be happy about this. The said part is that the system probably didn't do anything legally wrong, and nothing will happen to the officials who did it to him. DAs get elected for being tough on crime. Not for being fair