In Carmichael, California, a man who shot and killed his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend as the latter broke into their apartment will not face charges, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. The incident occurred early on Sunday at the Sutter Crossing Apartments complex, prompting officers to respond to a call about a shooting incident. The deceased intruder was identified as the ex-boyfriend of a woman residing in the apartment, who allegedly forcefully entered after banging on the door for 20 minutes.
According to the sheriff’s office, a physical altercation ensued between the ex-boyfriend and the woman’s current boyfriend, ultimately leading the latter to retrieve a gun from beneath his pillow and shoot the intruder. The current boyfriend reported being choked by the ex before resorting to lethal force. Following an investigation, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office determined that the shooter should not be charged, citing self-defense laws.
California attorney Michael Wise explained that the state’s “stand your ground” protections allow individuals to defend themselves with deadly force if faced with a lethal threat not provoked by them. While illegal possession of a firearm may still lead to charges, the use of deadly force for self-defense remains legally justified, even if the weapon is unregistered or prohibited. Despite the shock in the neighborhood over the lack of charges, the shooter’s actions were deemed in accordance with the law.
Residents in Carmichael, a city with approximately 80,000 inhabitants located northeast of Sacramento, expressed surprise at the shooter’s exoneration, as many were acquainted with the victim. The names of those involved were not disclosed to the public, pending notification of the deceased’s next of kin. The incident underscored the complex legalities surrounding self-defense and gun ownership in California, prompting discussions about the balance between personal safety and firearm regulations.