WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA — A 79-year-old man was cleared of any charges related to the shooting of an intruder who broke into his home.
Of course we’re happy to hear this, but it shouldn’t have really been a debate to begin with. As with any shooting, there will always be an investigation and possible charges, because that’s what they have to say until the investigation is complete.
This case, however, was pretty clear.
Local news reports;
The Winston-Salem Journal reports Winston-Salem police said Wednesday that 79-year-old James Thomas Noah will not face criminal charges in the shooting of 26-year-old Lourenco Marcus Reed of Lawrenceville, Georgia, after District Attorney Jim O’Neill of Forsyth County reviewed the evidence in the case.
Noah and 77-year-old Barbara Ella Melton were in their apartment Saturday afternoon when Melton answered a knock at the door. Police say Reed and another man shoved past Melton and assaulted Noah with a blunt object, at which point Noah drew a handgun and fired once, striking Reed in the head.
If you break into a home, you should expect to be shot by anyone inside. It’s just common sense, but these criminals have a hard time not being criminals.
Reed remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. If he survives, he’ll be spending some time in jail. If he doesn’t survive, let’s hope that his accomplice is charged with murder.
