PA:State police: Schuylkill County homeowner fatally shoots 18-year-old intruder

wfmz.com ^ | 24 August, 2013 | : Catherine Hawley

[marktwain]

EAST BRUNSWICK TWP., Pa. - An investigation into a deadly shooting in Schuylkill County is now in the hands of the district attorney. An 18-year-old is dead, and a couple is shaken up after a home invasion in East Brunswick Township turned deadly Saturday evening. State police say Curt Stein and Melissa Booth came home around 5:30 p.m., and something seemed off at their Steep Mountain Road house.

According to authorities, Stein discovered 18-year-old Zachary Foster inside his home. It's not clear whether the two knew each other, but Foster lived just down the road. The two families' mailboxes are side by side. "They end up getting into a physical altercation," described Boehm. "The homeowner then shoots the young man." Officers tell us multiple shots were fired, and Foster died at the scene. Stein had minor injuries from the fight. Investigators say Foster broke into the home. It's unclear if he was armed.

[marktwain]

An 18 year old who breaks into houses should realize that he is doing something very dangerous.

These incidents need to be published widely.

[Ophiucus]

Additionally, those who defend their homes and lives should be treated less like criminals.

[ScottinVA]

I know a gentleman here at my worksite in Virginia whose daughter and son-in-law came home to very similar situation in Colorado Springs in January. Unfortunately one of the perps shot them both dead. Both were caught and are awaiting trial, last I heard. The daughter was seven months pregnant.

Very glad to hear this couple didn’t suffer the same fate.

[USS Alaska]

"We'll submit our report to the Schuylkill County District Attorney then they will look at the report and then, based on law, decide if the homeowner was justified in using deadly force," Boehm said. Here in the Commonwealth, the castle doctrine self defense law has been on the books for years. "A homeowner has the right to protect his house and his property," said Boehm. "And if it gets to the point where he's in fear of death or serious bodily injury then he can use deadly force."

That say it all; end of story.

[Vinnie]

The problem is.. They came home found the burglar in their house.
Why didn’t they leave and dial 911? There was no need to confront the perp.

Just using post-Trayvon liberal logic. We’ll see what happens.

[Centaur]

From the local paper, Republican Herald:

FRACKVILLE - An East Brunswick Township homeowner was justified in fatally shooting an 18-year-old who broke into his home Saturday, Schuylkill County's district attorney said Thursday.

"No charges will be filed in this unfortunate incident," District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon said at a press conference Thursday outside the state police station in Frackville.

Curt Stein, 49, of 57 Steep Mountain Road, McKeansburg, shot and killed Zachary Foster, 18, during a scuffle after Stein found Foster inside his home.

Foster, 150 N. Market St., McKeansburg, East Brunswick Township, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Byrnes-Noon said the decision not to file charges was made after reviewing home security video footage and 911 tapes, as well as speaking with Stein and Foster's family.

"We are saying no charges will be filed," she said.

State police Trooper John Powis, the investigating officer, said that Stein had a valid permit to carry the handgun he used during the attack and that a pocket knife was found where the scuffle between the two men took place.

[Dr.Deth]

Personally, I would refrain from committing crimes in Schuylkill County for exactly this reason. Especially within the jurisdiction of Police Chief Mark Kessler (Severe language warning)

[bgill]

Not the end of the story when the punk’s family lives next to the victims and their mailbox is next to theirs. I can see retaliation in their future.

[Dudoight]

I truly appreciate your posting of these incidents. Keep up the good work!

[Tainan]

My kind of guy.

Molon Labe.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

Maybe he broke in to shake hands.

Snark

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***Both were caught and are awaiting trial, ****

In the olden days they would be tree or lamp post ornaments by now.

But that was then.

[patriotsblood]

The homeowner has been cleared: it’s a clean shoot.

[marktwain]

Thank you for the encouragement.

[ROCKLOBSTER]

Schuylkill County homeowner fatally shoots 18-year-old intruder

Guess he was old enough to die for his...habit.

[Fightin Whitey]

But I thought Colorado had put an end to gun violence.

(Your story makes the blood boil...may the liars be damned!)