Louisiana Sheriff Expects No Charges After Homeowner Fatally Shoots Alleged Intruder

WEBSTER PARISH, LA — Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says investigators do not anticipate charges against a homeowner who fatally shot a man allegedly forcing his way into an occupied residence west of Minden early Sunday.

Parker identified the dead man as Billy McFarland, 44, of Marrero. Investigators say McFarland was shot multiple times after cutting a rear window screen with a pocket knife and beginning to enter the home near U.S. Highway 80.

The sheriff's account traces the incident to a 911 call at about 5:23 a.m. October 18. A woman reported a domestic disturbance inside a vehicle traveling at high speed. Authorities say the vehicle crashed after McFarland allegedly jumped on the driver, and McFarland left before a nearby deputy arrived.

Investigators say McFarland then reached the nearby residence, damaged two vehicles outside and banged on the front door. After receiving no answer, he allegedly moved behind the home, climbed onto an air-conditioning unit and cut through a window screen.

Parker said investigators learned McFarland still had the knife in his hand while entering. The homeowner fired, killing him at the scene. The homeowner has not been publicly identified.

The sheriff said the homeowner apparently feared for his life and the lives of other people inside. He does not expect criminal charges, but emphasized that investigators will complete the case and forward it to the district attorney for final review.

McFarland's body was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas, for an autopsy. Authorities have not announced a final finding about what caused his behavior before the shooting, and the investigation remains active.

Timeline

Legal and safety breakdown

Louisiana law and the pending review

Louisiana Revised Statute 14:20 describes several circumstances in which a homicide may be legally justified. One provision addresses a person lawfully inside a dwelling who reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent an unlawful entry or compel an intruder to leave. Another creates a presumption of reasonable belief when a person is unlawfully and forcibly entering and the resident knows or reasonably believes that entry is occurring.

Those standards remain fact dependent. The sheriff's preliminary expectation is not the same as a final prosecutorial ruling, and the district attorney may evaluate physical evidence, witness accounts, the autopsy and any other investigative findings.

Safety Tip: If someone is trying to enter your home, move family members to a safer location when possible, call 911, give dispatchers clear descriptions and avoid pursuing anyone who leaves. After force is used, secure the scene and wait for responding officers.

Sources

• UPDATE: No charges expected in Sunday shooting
• BREAKING: Man fatally shot after breaking into Webster Parish home, sheriff says
• Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:20, Justifiable homicide