neighbor charged with murder after intervening in domestic dispute

[pegasus]

Be careful when or if intervening in a third party situation. Not enough facts available at the moment to say whether this is a legit shoot or not. There has been a change in the law however that some attorneys and cops here are still not aware of, as I found out recently in a discussion with someone locally. The law used to be that if you claimed self defense or defense of an innocent third party the accused had to basically prove their innocence, unless they were in their vehicle or house. Now you are innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution has to prove that it's NOT a case of legit self defense by a preponderence of the evidence. Some prosecutors hate the change in the law, as you can imagine.

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/...te-killing-man

MANTUA TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A 27-year-old man from Portage County is charged with murder after he allegedly intervened in a dispute happening between his neighbors, shooting a man.

Randon C. Leonard, 27, of Mantua Township, was charged with murder.

On Thursday at around 7:25 p.m., deputies from the Portage County Sheriff’s Department responded to Robin Trailer Park, 3218 State Route 82, in Mantua Township.

A man was found dead in the street with apparent gunshot wounds.

Preliminary information revealed a domestic dispute was happening between the male victim and his girlfriend, at which time Leonard allegedly intervened and shot the victim multiple times.

[garyh]

When you pull a gun before you shoot there are a lot of things to remember. However when you do draw a gun your adrenalin can really cloud your mind. That is why you have a lot to consider before draw a weapon to defend anybody.

[jspdrcrmach5]

Having a firearm does not make You a super hero or even the police, use common sense.
Unless it is a life or death situation do not intervene call 911.

[Rickenbacher39]

I've felt like shooting my neighbors on occasion but
fortunately I am not a complete fool and don't go around acting like Rambo.

[Divebum]

Just one of the reasons I am and would be a good witness. This happened in the area I grew up. The town is pronounced "Man-a-way."

[DeltaBravoKS]

Just one of the reasons I am and would be a good witness. This happened in the area I grew up. The town is pronounced "Man-a-way."

Hmmm. A shooting an a town called Man-a-way. That sounds like kismit!

I'm guessing the town was named after a very successful divorce lawyer...

[Divebum]

Heh, heh, heh. We have towns in Ohio which pronounce their names funny - Russia - Rue-she for example. But nothing compares to Leominster in Massachusetts. Lemon stah.

[coopercdrkey]

Or Worcester- Wis-tah...

[NotSo]

One of my cardinal rules: Do not intervene in disputes between a man and a woman. No matter what you do, it will be wrong.

[maloy]

I've been in that situation before. I was at a complete loss other than to dial 911. The guy was screaming at her and shoving. It turned out 5 people called 911 and they were there quick. I'm only 4 blocks from the station. I've seen this guy in the past punch someone in the face that tried to intervene and all it did was escalate the situation. He toned it down this year. He found both neighbors on each side of him has a CHL and the police have had it with him. He's about a block from me.

Maloy