13 Year Old Boy Killed For Stealing Snacks

This is yet another reason you DONT MESS WITH TEXAS. A group of teenagers repeatedly broke into the trailers of residents in a Texas community. One night they were breaking into the trailer of Jose Luis Gonzalez when the 63 year old man caught them in the act. They had twinkies and cookies stuffed into their pockets when he beat them with the barrel of a shotgun and shot one of them in the back. Gonzalez claimed in court that the thirteen year old boy was advancing towards him and he fought back.

This case went to trial and the jury acquitted Gonzalez of charges ruling that it is within a homeowner's right to defend his property, and use deadly force if necessary. This was a very important case in many regards because it sets the precedent for similar cases. It's a tough call because the teenage kids may not have been a huge threat to his life, but then again they probably could have easily overpowered the elderly man.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Feel free to leave comments.