Everyone involved was an asshat. But the dead guy did throw that bat at the dad and it did strike him. Rekieta did a 1/4 speed play through of the video and you can clearly see that the bat hit the dad. I think what might have gotten the dad in trouble is that after the initial volley of gunfire as the bat is being thrown, theres a final shot or two after. It's probable that the jury thought that the dad was giving Howard a final coup de grâce.
Branca thinks that the different verdicts came from "Take your swing." Jury may have found that saying that made the bat attack an invited act of violence, which makes the dad lose his self defense privilege.
It's certainly possible. Unfortunately, without the live video from the courtroom, it's impossible to know for sure what the jury saw or what the two sides emphasized during the trial.
Not to defend anyone, but isn't throwing a baseball bat disarming yourself - and thus removing the imminent threat to the other party.
However, I recall a video, also from Texas, from a guy who murdered a kid's father from very short distance, and who got off scot-free. That victim had the bad luck of being white, so he could be killed with impunity.
However, I recall a video, also from Texas, from a guy who murdered a kid's father from very short distance, and who got off scot-free.
That was disgusting, and another case of everyone being kind of retarded. People need to learn not to fuck with people waving guns around, even if those people are in the wrong. When someone has a gun and has shown willingness to use it, either try to deescalate and wait for police, or put the guy down. But don't bring knives, bats, or fists to a gunfight...it won't end well for you.
Especially if you're somewhere with very generous self defense laws, such as Texas. Because even if the other guy is an asshole, if you don't tread carefully he will be legally within his rights to shoot you dead if you do something stupid and aggressive.
Also, the women involved in that shooting both seemed like sociopaths.
According to the statutes I could find for Texas that shooting didn't qualify as self defense under the law. Did anything come of it yet?
Also the new wife just seemed to be in shock. The old wife seemed to have set the whole thing up because she's the one that called him there to pick up their kid even though the kid wasn't there.
No criminal charges were filed. A wrongful death claim has been filed though, and is pending, I believe.
Also the new wife just seemed to be in shock.
Fair enough, perhaps only one of the women was a sociopath. People react differently. It's still interesting, though, compare her reaction to the reaction from the camerawoman in the dumpster defender incident, who freaks the hell out when her man goes down. But, yeah, could just be shock.
The old wife seemed to have set the whole thing up because she's the one that called him there to pick up their kid even though the kid wasn't there.
Do you have a source for that? As I understood it, the father showed up unannounced after he couldn't pick up his son from another location (which is what makes this story so fucking sad.) The father had every right to be upset, as his ex and her new boyfriend had essentially kidnapped his son, and not for the first time. He had limited custody, and they weren't even honoring that. He still behaved idiotically, but I also completely understand the emotional response, and he was in a really shitty situation.
Everyone involved was an asshat. But the dead guy did throw that bat at the dad and it did strike him. Rekieta did a 1/4 speed play through of the video and you can clearly see that the bat hit the dad. I think what might have gotten the dad in trouble is that after the initial volley of gunfire as the bat is being thrown, theres a final shot or two after. It's probable that the jury thought that the dad was giving Howard a final coup de grâce.
perfectly legitimate to ensure the threat is neutralized
I agree. I think that they both should have been acquitted.
Branca thinks that the different verdicts came from "Take your swing." Jury may have found that saying that made the bat attack an invited act of violence, which makes the dad lose his self defense privilege.
It's certainly possible. Unfortunately, without the live video from the courtroom, it's impossible to know for sure what the jury saw or what the two sides emphasized during the trial.
Not to defend anyone, but isn't throwing a baseball bat disarming yourself - and thus removing the imminent threat to the other party.
However, I recall a video, also from Texas, from a guy who murdered a kid's father from very short distance, and who got off scot-free. That victim had the bad luck of being white, so he could be killed with impunity.
Tell you what buddy. I'll just use my bare hands. Stand still.
If you are right, I am no threat at all.
If I am right, you will be unable to pass on you inferior genes.
Whoa, that escalated quickly. I think you didn't quite understand what I meant.
Besides, haven't you often called me a faggot? What's the likelihood of passing down inferior genes if you are?
An attacker who throws or drops their bat is still dangerous. Especially if they are now free to get their hands on your gun.
Tony, some of my best friends are faggots. I don't hold it against you.
Live and learn. Or don't, and collect your Darwin Award.
That was disgusting, and another case of everyone being kind of retarded. People need to learn not to fuck with people waving guns around, even if those people are in the wrong. When someone has a gun and has shown willingness to use it, either try to deescalate and wait for police, or put the guy down. But don't bring knives, bats, or fists to a gunfight...it won't end well for you.
Especially if you're somewhere with very generous self defense laws, such as Texas. Because even if the other guy is an asshole, if you don't tread carefully he will be legally within his rights to shoot you dead if you do something stupid and aggressive.
Also, the women involved in that shooting both seemed like sociopaths.
According to the statutes I could find for Texas that shooting didn't qualify as self defense under the law. Did anything come of it yet?
Also the new wife just seemed to be in shock. The old wife seemed to have set the whole thing up because she's the one that called him there to pick up their kid even though the kid wasn't there.
No criminal charges were filed. A wrongful death claim has been filed though, and is pending, I believe.
Fair enough, perhaps only one of the women was a sociopath. People react differently. It's still interesting, though, compare her reaction to the reaction from the camerawoman in the dumpster defender incident, who freaks the hell out when her man goes down. But, yeah, could just be shock.
Do you have a source for that? As I understood it, the father showed up unannounced after he couldn't pick up his son from another location (which is what makes this story so fucking sad.) The father had every right to be upset, as his ex and her new boyfriend had essentially kidnapped his son, and not for the first time. He had limited custody, and they weren't even honoring that. He still behaved idiotically, but I also completely understand the emotional response, and he was in a really shitty situation.
No attacking someone is not the same thing as putting your weapon down.
I am aware. But if the standard is imminent threat of serious injury, or whatever it is, then the result is that he no longer carries a weapon.
There is another standard that if you start a fight the other guy gets to finish it.
If I hit you with a baseball bat I'm taking your gun afterwards