Police Say Fatal Garland Shooting Was Self-Defense
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UPDATE TUESDAY, JANUARY 19: Garland Police have identified the man who was shot on January 15, in the 900 block of Green Pond, as Stephen Wray Smith II of Allen, Texas.
GARLAND (CBSDFW.COM) - A shooting at a home in Garland early Friday morning left one man dead, and authorities are calling it an act of self-defense. Garland police identify the man killed as the suspect in this case. They say the incident began with a fight between the homeowner and the suspect shortly before midnight near the intersection of Green Pond Drive and Citadel Drive.
According to police, the suspect was at the shooter's home and the two men got into some sort of argument. The suspect left the scene, but a text message to the homeowner from the suspect's ex-girlfriend, received a short time later, warned that he was coming back and for the homeowner to be careful.
That man parked down the street from the home and walked back to the house.
In anticipation of the suspect's return, the homeowner kept a lookout on his home security camera. Police said, as he waited, watching, someone cut the camera wire and the screen went dark. The homeowner then went outside armed with a gun.
"Homeowner has cameras, saw one camera stopped working," said Lt. Pedro Barineau with the Garland Police Department on Friday morning. "Suspect was across the street and came at him in an aggressive manner, came onto his property."
Police explained that the suspect was yelling and approaching the homeowner with something in his hand. The homeowner felt threatened by the man and opened fire, killing that man in the home's driveway. Barineau continued, "The homeowner feared for his life and shot him."
Neighbors found the shooting alarming. They said that this is a quiet neighborhood, and can not recall any disturbances at the home in the past.
Matthew Lee lives across the street from the home, and recorded cell phone video of the incident after calling authorities. "I heard voices outside, got progressively louder," he recalled. "Eventually, I heard a couple of loud voices. I heard bangs and two screams, and it got quiet. And that's when I called 911."
Law enforcement officials have only identified the suspect as a 47-year-old male; at this time they're searching for family to notify. They towed his vehicle after completing the crime scene investigation. The homeowner's name has not been released. The homeowner was interviewed by investigators, along with one or two other people who were inside of the house at the time of this incident.
Authorities stated that it is unlikely that the shooter will face charges. "As a homeowner, you have the right to protect yourself and your property," Barineau added. "A person came onto his property. He was in fear."
