Three Oklahoma teenagers were killed last week when they broke into a house and were met by a homeowner with an AR-15. Now the grandfather of one of the teenagers is speaking out about his grandson's death. According to KTUL-TV, Leroy Schumacher, grandfather of 17-year-old Jacob Redfearn, believes the death of Redfearn was unjustified because the homeowner's AR-15 gave him an unfair advantage over the three burglars. Speaking to KTUL, Schumacher acknowledged that breaking into a house was "stupid," but death was not the appropriate consequence. "What these three boys did was stupid," Schumacher said. "They knew they could be punished for it but they did not deserve to die."
"Brass knuckles against an AR-15? C'mon. Who was afraid for their life?" Schumacher said. The homeowner who pulled the trigger has not been charged with any crimes because police say he acted in self-defense. But Schumacher reiterated his belief that the consequences literally did not fit the crime.
"There's got to be a limit to that law, I mean he shot all three of them — there was no need for that," he told KTUL. In addition to Redfearn, 19-year old Maxwell Cook and 16-year old Jake Woodruff were also shot and killed in the home invasion. Getaway driver, 21-year-old Elizabeth Rodriguez, was not injured but later arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of second-degree burglary. Police also say Rodriguez admitted to planning the burglary. Rodriguez went to police in Broken Arrow, a Tulsa suburb, and told them she was involved. Oklahoma state law says that first-degree murder occurs if "any other person takes the life of a human being during ... first degree burglary." Another condition is if a person causes the death of another person with "malice aforethought." In the end, Schumacher said he supports the Second Amendment right to bear arms but doesn't agree with killing home invaders. "These boys' families are going to suffer with this the rest of their lives, we have to live with this the rest of our lives," he said. "You can't change history, but you can damn sure learn from it, and maybe some kids will learn from this."
Powerful stuff. Part of me wants to say, "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes" while part feels terribly that these kids lost their lives over this.....
Thoughts?
Wouldn't have been an issue here in Oregon. No "duty to retreat", in effect this is a Castle Doctrine state. This happens occasionally here, nobody blinks an eye. You walk off a cliff, you're gonna fall. That's about how I see what happened, once they crossed that line they were already dead.
First of all, grandad is basically stupid per the comments he made. Sadly, he may believe he's completely justified too. I wonder what he would have done if his residence were broken into especially if his family was there too.
As for the kids, it's sad they lost their lives but they chose to put themselves in harm's way by breaking into someone else's property. As most of us know through our own experiences, choices can sometimes have severe consequences.
I'm glad the homeowners are safe and were unharmed.
part feels terribly that these kids lost their lives over this
it's sad they lost their lives
I honestly envy your ability to feel any sadness over this. Searching my heart here, not the faintest twinge of sympathy. I don't feel anything other than grim satisfaction that the word is out that home invasion is suicidal.
So if he shot them with a pistol it would be fair? Far more home invaders have murdered home owners. Even though these are kids who made a fatal mistake, a teenager knows the risks. I'm sure Grandpa is just upset, naturally.
I looked up some articles, all have conflicting info, but one account said two of the teens were armed and they apparently went in twice in broad daylight thinking the place was empty. I couldn't find any details regarding the actual shootings, there are some accounts that one was shot outside the house possibly running away, but it's probably moot once they are in the house illegally.
This is actually old news, it occurred in 2017 and the driver has already been convicted. That's actually the surprising part, she is on the hook for 3 deaths even though they were accomplices. Seems to be the grey area but I guess she was the adult and the ringleader and is therefor accountable.
Zero sympathy.
shot outside the house possibly running away
Can't do that. Outside, running away, gotta stop shooting, to kill anyway.
If you break into someone's home, you deserve to be shot.
yup.
Who's to say the homeowner could have had a fatal heart attack when confronted by these three morons?
If you don't break into someone's home you probably won't get shot.
part feels terribly that these kids lost their lives over this
it's sad they lost their lives
I honestly envy your ability to feel any sadness over this. Searching my heart here, not the faintest twinge of sympathy. I don't feel anything other than grim satisfaction that the word is out that home invasion is suicidal.
Not sympathy. I truly believe it's sad when young people die period. But as I posted, they chose to put themselves in harm's way and suffered the consequences of their choices.
[Edited on 2/25/2019 by StratDal]
If you break into someone's home, you deserve to be shot
True . Shot, stabbed is good too, or even dispatched with a fireplace iron Just make sure you kill them inside. Outside, especially running off, that will get you in legal trouble.
If you break into someone's home, you deserve to be shot
True . Shot, stabbed is good too, or even dispatched with a fireplace iron Just make sure you kill them inside. Outside, especially running off, that will get you in legal trouble.
Apparently not in this case, IF that was true.
Anyway I look at it, it's a damn shame!!!!.......Peace........joe
"Unfair advantage?" Unfair fight?
What were they planning to do, just quietly rob the house and leave?
If the homeowner woke up while they were burglarizing the house and he was unarmed, what would they have done to him? Kill him with his own kitchen knives?
What weapons did they have with them?
The man defended his life and property and effectively stopped the 'youths' from hurting anyone else. Who's to say they would not have escalated their crimes later on if they got away with it.
My Dad had a 30.06 loaded with double OO buck, and of course his Jim Bowie knife. Sometimes he would set off the alarm and just go out on the lawn with his Jim Bowie knife if he saw people who looked like little criminals. Nobody tried to rob our house even though they robbed our neighbor next door and others.
People have the right to defend their homes and property.
My Dad had a 30.06 loaded with double OO buck,
So how did he use shotgun shells in a rifle???
They don't work that way.
My Dad had a 30.06 loaded with double OO buck,
So how did he use shotgun shells in a rifle???
They don't work that way.
That's the funniest thing I've read here in a long time!
My Dad had a 30.06 loaded with double OO buck,
So how did he use shotgun shells in a rifle???
They don't work that way.
He had his shotgun and rifle. Perhaps I did not make that clear.
You said:
My Dad had a 30.06 loaded with double OO buck,
That's pretty clear.
You said:
My Dad had a 30.06 loaded with double OO buck,
That's pretty clear.
Call her Crystal.
Ron, do you think the man was wrong for shooting with the intent of killing those who came in to burglarize his home?
Ron, do you think the man was wrong for shooting with the intent of killing those who came in to burglarize his home?
I've already stated my thoughts on that.
Reading comprehension is good.
Try it.
It's off topic but are you going to Woodstock 50 at Watkins Glen this summer Aug (I think it is 16, 17, 18)?
