[LeGrande]

To further complicate the case, Stephen White faces Felonious Assault charges and a charge of having a firearm when he had been previously ordered by the Court to not possess one. Prosecutors believe that Stephen White pulled the trigger. He is going to trial on these charges in late spring, and could be sentenced to 12 years in prison.

In a struggle with a rifle I find it unlikely that anyone gets shot unless someone is grabbing the barrel towards themselves. What I find a lot more plausible is that Stephen White grabbed the rifle and then shot the burglar.

Much to my regret, I tend to believe the Burglar that this was not a shooting in self defense.

[no-s]

Much to my regret, I tend to believe the Burglar that this was not a shooting in self defense.

If the owner and the thief are struggling over the loaded firearm, the thief is an aggressor. It's reasonable for the owner to assume he is in mortal danger. The thief cannot pretend he is innocent of any escalation.

[RetiredNavy]

"In a struggle with a rifle I find it unlikely that anyone gets shot unless someone is grabbing the barrel towards themselves. What I find a lot more plausible is that Stephen White grabbed the rifle and then shot the burglar. Much to my regret, I tend to believe the Burglar that this was not a shooting in self defense."

Upon what FACTS do you base your demonization of the victim?

BTW, fighting a burglar for a loaded firearm is an excellent justification for self defense, no matter where you are. He gets it, he shoots you. Sounds pretty obvious to me.