Lawyer: Accused Walgreens Shooter Could Argue Self-Defense
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - A man charged with the murder of Good Samaritan could argue self-defense, according to one high-profile attorney.
"It's all gonna come down to some of the facts we don't know yet," said Pete Schulte.
Good Samaritan T.J. Antell allegedly witnessed Ricci Bradden shoot his wife in the ankle as she ran into the Arlington Walgreens, where she worked. In Bradden's reported confession, though, he claims he was already running to his truck when Antell then ran up to him with a gun, prompting him to shoot Antell too.
"He may have just committed a felony against his wife by using a weapon, but at the time he was being chased, he wasn't. And, if he was in fear for his life, yes, he has the right to use self-defense," said Schulte. The former officer turned attorney says the circumstances, as Bradden describes them, opens the door for his legal defense. Not everyone agrees, though.
"I really don't think that's going to work out," said John Mannewitz, a License to Carry instructor at Target Masters in Garland. Mannewitz said Bradden had just committed a felony and still posed a risk.
"The guy is still in the parking lot. He's still armed. What would stop the person from getting in his truck? The doors are locked. He could just turn his truck around, drive through the front, and get back inside," he said.
The suspect's wife, who was injured in the initial shooting, regrets it's a call Antell had to make. "I am thankful he did try to save me, even though I think if he knew I was safe in the store he would have never done that. But, the man didn't know," said Quinisha Johnson.
Mannewitz said it's hard to say what he or anyone else would have done in the same scenario. Schutle said, if there isn't an imminent threat, his legal advice is simple. "Be a good witness. Take down details. Don't pull your weapon because at some point you could be mistaken for another actor," he said.
It's up to a Grand Jury to weigh the strength of the evidence against Bradden, according to Schutle.
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