21-year-old to spend life in prison for murder over a PS2

[ShadowSoldier]

ZenfoldorVGI said:

BMaker11 said:
Under the assumption that what this guy is saying is the truth, his actions were completely justified. If 4 big, swole dudes came at me like that, even after firing a warning shot, I'd pull the trigger also. The worst this guy should get is manslaughter, because it was self defense, and should be found not guilty for that charge, if he felt he was in danger.

....under the assumption that what this guy is saying is the truth

I'm a gun owner. You have to be very responsible with your weapons. They are NOT for using against people. They are NOT for use in disputes or fights. They are not toys. Period.

You DO NOT USE A GUN IN A FIGHT!

Guns are used personal defense mainly as a deterrant, if and only when you are absolutely sure your life is in immediate danger.

Give and audible warning before presenting your firearm.

DO NOT point your gun at someone unless you are trying to kill them.

In the circumstances given here, the defendant should have never brought his gun out.

Trust me, taking an ass whooping is a hell of a lot better than killing a man, I don't care if you get off scott free.

Responsible gun ownership is vital.

If you are prepared to fire your gun into another human being, you must be absolutely sure that firing that gun is the only reasonable alternative left to save your life. You don't shoot 4 people because they are trying to jack your PS2 after you let them into your house. You call the police(or beat their ass with a baseball bat, or stab them, or whatever. That is fighting. DO NOT pull that 12 gauge, you'll regret it).

If he wasn't adult enough to know that, then he wasn't adult enough to own a gun.

That said, I'm not for taking guns away from irresponsible people. Instead, I'm for putting those people in prison for the rest of their lives, when they mess up. This is America, afterall, and every man/woman has the right to carry a gun. Everyone gets one chance. However, you take on a great responsibility when you own that weapon. Every gun owner should realize that. To legally purchase that firearm, you are told that on at least 4 seperate occasions, that you are taking on a magnificant responsibility. Most people shouldn't take it on...however, it is the individuals choice, and that is how it should be. Without freedom, what's the point of saftey? Someone said, a people who would sacrafice freedom for security deserves neither. Well said.

You didn't really understand the article did you? The 4 guys ran into his apartment accusing him of stealing a PS2 which he didnt take. When they were threatening his life he went for his gun. He fired a warning shot and they still advanced. Now I dont know about you but Im pretty sure if he did let them attack him they probably would have severely beaten him or even kill him.