Newberry County, South Carolina
From Columbia’s WLTX.com of February 26, 2007
Prosecutors: Woman Killed Her Husband in Self-Defense
Prosecutors have decided that a fatal domestic shooting in Newberry County last month was done in self-defense.
Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace determined that the female victim in the case, 59-year-old Cynthia Franklin, took appropriate actions to save her life, and that no charges will be filed in the case.
Deputies say Cynthia Franklin shot to death her husband, 63-year-old Dennis Franklin, back on January 26. Officers say the two got into a domestic dispute.
Investigators say they found the woman suffering significant wounds to her head, face, and upper body. They say there were obvious signs of a violent struggle in the home and that Cynthia was struck multiple times with a large stick.
Cynthia also told authorities she was trying to get away and made it to the bedroom where the pistol was kept, then shot her husband as he tried to attack her.
"This was a tragic situation," said Sheriff Foster in a written release. "While we certainly agree with the decision not to prosecute Mrs. Franklin, she and her family are left to deal with the devastating effects of this incident."
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Friday, February 23, 2007
National City, California
From NBCSanDiego.com of February 23, 2007
Police: Victim Turns Gun On Home-Invasion Robber
A suspected home-invasion robber was shot and wounded by one of his alleged victims according to police in National City.
Officials said three men, wearing masks, forced their way into a home at 2032 E. Seventh Street Thursday night. Four people were inside the home at the time.
The men, armed with shotguns and other weapons, ordered the residents to the floor, according to police.
Officials said one of the residents managed to wrestle the shotgun away from one of the robbers. A struggle followed and the gun fired, hitting a wall.
Police said a second resident picked up the shotgun and fired two rounds at the robbers, striking one of the men, identified as Marc Wideman, 19, of Spring Valley.
All three robbers fled the scene. Wideman was later found by police at a local hospital. He was taken into custody. Police said his wounds are not life-threatening.
Police are still looking for the two other men in this case.
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There are many more that I didn't post here. If you would like to read more about citizens using guns to protect themselves, go to Civilian Gun Self Defense Blog. Many thanks to them for allowing me to post some examples from their web site.
