From the story:
Harris County District Attorney Kenneth Magidson told reporters at the courthouse. “The use of deadly force is carefully limited in Texas law to certain circumstances. … In this case, however, the grand jury concluded that Mr. Horn use of deadly force did not rise to a criminal offense.”
“He was afraid for his life,” Lambright [Horne’s attorney] said. "He was afraid for his safety, and then they charged him. I don’t think Joe had time to make a conscious decision. I think he only had time to react to what was going on. Short answer is, he was defending his life. "
Lambright acknowledged that the 911 dispatcher urged Horn to stay inside but said, “Joe was doing what he thought was necessary. As a man, he thought it was his duty to protect his house, his neighborhood, his community.”
If you read self-defense stories going back to the 1970s, it was common to read about people being shot/killed fleeing a burglary/robbery. While many people believe it is morally, ethically and/or legally wrong to shoot a fleeing criminal, there are probably at least as many that believe it to be justified, as these jurors did.
At what point is loss of property going to harm you and your family enough financially or in fear enough to make life difficult? What about family heirlooms or necessary equipment for survival or to remain in business. Insurance only covers just so much, and it does not protect against emotional trauma that victims often endure. My grandmother’s home was robbed several times and many items of value were family heirlooms many generations old. Obviously the insurance company could not replace them, and what is the real value of irreplaceable items?
When the justice system fails people, people are more likely to take defense of selves and property into their own hands. Why do we carry firearms for self-defense? Because we know that when self-defense is necessary, we are the real first responders. Typically, waiting for LE is not a good option when your life is in jeopardy.
