Aiken was treated for the gunshot wound and later released.
That's why this is what I keep under my bed:
He ain't gonna be "treated and released."
Posted on 08/29/2007 8:12:08 AM PDT by holymoly
ST. MATTHEWS, S.C. An Orangeburg man shot during the February home invasion of a World War II veteran was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he entered a guilty plea Tuesday.
Christopher Aiken, 24, of 2088 Muriel Street, was originally charged with first-degree burglary, a charge that after plea negotiations was reduced to second-degree burglary.
"I'm going to commit you to the state Department of Corrections for a period of 15 years," Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein said as Aiken held his head down.
The guilty plea came after two days of negotiations and reconsiderations surrounding the plea. Initially, Aiken was to offer his plea on Monday.
The plea hearing was rescheduled several times while details were worked out. The case would go before the bench, be withdrawn, then go before the bench again.
It finally went through around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Goodstein voiced concerns about the agreement to reduce the charge from first- to second-degree burglary.
"I think that's substantial, substantial," Goodstein said.
However, the case against the Muriel Street man proceeded until the sentence was on the books.
The cases against two co-defendants, Joseph Randolph, 23, of Orangeburg and Lakeisha Rice, 23, of Denmark are still pending.
The charges against Aiken came after the Feb. 20 invasion of the home of Ted Jackson, an 80-year-old World War II veteran and gun enthusiast.
It was about 2 a.m. on that date when the shooting occurred. Jackson said his dog began barking, alerting him that something was amiss.
As Jackson turned on a light, he grabbed a pistol. Seconds later, a man carrying an AK-47 kicked open his bedroom door.
At a bond hearing for Aiken earlier this year, Jackson said he's faced Japanese cannon bigger than a machine gun.
He fired at the intruder, striking the man in the upper shoulder.
Aiken was treated for the gunshot wound and later released.
When told of Aiken's sentence, Jackson said, "Yeah, that's OK, that's good. I'm glad that part's over."
However, Jackson wonders if it really is over. About two weeks ago, someone broke into his home while he was away. He wonders if that latest break-in isn't related to the February shooting.
Since then, the 80-year-old has installed steel plating around his entry ways to bolster the doors -- and make them bulletproof.
"You can run a Jeep through there and you wouldn't get in," Jackson said.
Obviously a no-nonsense individual, Jackson says that given the same circumstances, he'd do it all over again.
"Somebody's coming in my house? You dadblasted right I would," Jackson said. "If my little dog hadn't woke me up, it could have been a lot different. (A deputy) said to me, 'These fellows were going to kill you that night.'"
Which is why he's still alive. Had he called 9-1-1...
(A deputy) said to me, 'These fellows were going to kill you that night.'"
Well put, Mr. Jackson. I think that is exactly how all Americans should feel about defending one's home.
Another almost miss, got to shoot for the center!
The article does not mention an accomplice. Is there more to this story?
It does, but it's easy to miss:
The cases against two co-defendants, Joseph Randolph, 23, of Orangeburg and Lakeisha Rice, 23, of Denmark are still pending.
>>The cases against two co-defendants, Joseph Randolph, 23, of Orangeburg and Lakeisha Rice, 23, of Denmark are still pending.
Bang
Aiken was treated for the gunshot wound and later released.
That's why this is what I keep under my bed:
He ain't gonna be "treated and released."
Why oh why did they accept a plea to a lesser offense? This case would be a dream to try before a SC jury! The real crime here is watching a prosecutor give away the courthouse, and let this oxygen thief off with only 12 years. BTW, I am a prosecutor
At least it’s not like the loony Hollywood justice. If this was in LA those 15 years would magically transform into 4 days.
My own grandfather (84 in Dec) is one of those old vets. A precious generation from which we can learn much.
See how well you shoot when you're 80 and just woken up at Oh Dark Thirty.
In any event he got the job done. But I agree it's too bad he didn't kill 'em all and save the taxpayers a bunch of money.
At least take the thing out from under your bed before you go to sleep.
He ain't gonna be "treated and released."
Against an AK type carbine already "at the ready", getting that cannon (I have a similar Maverick) out from under the bed is quite likely to result in you being the one not "treated and released". Handguns are just handier than long guns.
At least take the thing out from under your bed before you go to sleep.
In a home invasion, whoever has the surprise has the advantage. Fortunately, Mr. Jackson had this advantage as he was alerted to the break-in by his barking dog and had time to arm himself and take a defensive position behind a closed door. When Aiken kicked his bedroom door in, he wasn't expecting an armed individual behind the door. He probably pulled his AK close to his body with the barrel pointed upward to give his kick more leverage and then BLAM!
But you're right. An AK is a formidable weapon. Mr. Jackson was lucky and very clear-headed. He absolutely had to take that first shot and he did.
Actually, I also have a Maverick 88 (identical to the photo but without the barrel shroud). I just couldn't find a real good pic of one. Is it a good weapon? I only op-checked it when I bought it and it fired fine. I keep it loaded with 5 rounds of 2 3/4" double 00 buck, safety off and nothing in the chamber. Don't worry, it isn't under my mattress! Just under the bedframe.
Obligatory pic of almost-victim and wounded perp.
Ted Jackson
Christopher Aiken
Orangeburg is about 100 miles SE of Charlotte and I'm not familiar with their court situation, but here in our fair city we have so few prosecutors relative to the population that about 50% of those that are arrested are not charged or indited. Of the remainder, most are plea bargains. Only big murder cases or drugs (probably 100 kilo minimum) are tried.
There have been several recent cases of gangbang murders in which the perp had a long record of assault, burglary, car theft, rape, etc., with little or no jail time or even a school suspension. Local politicos plead with the State for more money for prosecutors to no avail.
On the other hand we manage to build a $300 million basketball arena for a team that few pay to watch. The average joe is just starting to notice this.
I had mine literally for years before I ever fired it. Of course that was when I kept the M-1 Carbine at my side as I FReeped. I bought the Maverick just before long arms went under the Brady check. I wanted the Mossberg, but didn't have the cash. I bought my 1911 the day after Brady passed, but before it went into effect.
I finally fired it at the second annual Texas Memorial shoot at the Bullet Hole in San Antonio. That was just last May. It fired to point of aim, and functioned flawlessly. What more can I ask?
I think I'm losing it, because I keep losing words.
I don’t mean to demean you grandfather but a lot of the hippy dippy pinko commie leaders of the 60’s were of the same generation. Old Beatniks. For the most part they (your grandfather and many like him) sacrificed themselves on and off the battlefield in ways that could not be comprehended in these times. Can you imagine Alec Baldwin flying American military planes in Iraq? Not a chance.
When in danger, dial either 357 or 870. When the danger is over, dial 911.
They probably would have killed the old man.
Being sentenced to 15 years in prison means he’ll be 38 when the term is done. Maybe he’ll think twice next time.
Count yourselves lucky you have a 2nd Amendment, and the right to defend your homes. We don’t.
Here is a quote from a “victim” in a recent NZ trial:
“I am so sorry for breaking into those houses and for stealing and damaging property. I understand why the people of Ngawi are angry with me.
“I would have accepted it if someone had given me a hiding that night as I think that we deserved that.
“However, I cannot accept that there was any need to shoot at us.”
Read the whole story here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4185821a10.html
No doubt the crim will get counseling and the victim will get a conviction: such is the Alice-in-Wonderland world we live in, in NZ.
Thank your lucky stars, America. This travesty could never happen there.
*DieHard*
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