5 killed by Texas escapee died from gunshot and stab wounds
June 9, 2022
CENTERVILLE, Texas (AP) — A Texas grandfather and his four grandsons killed by a prison escapee died from gunshots, sharp force injuries and stab wounds, a medical examiner’s report said.
Convicted murderer Gonzalo Lopez escaped from a prison transport bus last month and is accused of killing Mark Collins, 66, and his four grandsons, who ranged in age from 11 to 18, authorities said.
Authorities believe Lopez attacked the family at their ranch near Centerville, about 115 miles south of Dallas, then stole their truck and drove it more than 200 miles before he was shot to death by police.
A medical examiner’s report released Thursday by a Leon County justice of the peace said Collins and his 18-year-old grandson, Waylon Collins, died from gunshot wounds and sharp force injuries.
The three younger grandsons — 16-year-old Carson Collins, 11-year-old Hudson Collins, and 11-year-old Bryson Collins — died from gunshots and stab wounds.
After two men broke in and began pistol-whipping her husband, the woman, who is eight months pregnant, fired a shot from the family’s AR-15-style rifle ending the confrontation.
Litha, Florida – November 4, 2019
A Florida woman who is eight months pregnant used an AR-15 to shoot and kill one of two intruders who were terrorizing her family, authorities say.
The incident happened Wednesday in Lithia, which is about 25 miles southeast of Tampa, according to TV station WHNS.
Jeremy King told Bay News 9 that he was at home with his wife and their 11-year-old daughter when the intruders burst into their home. Both were armed.
While King was being held at gunpoint, he says his wife walked into the room and was nearly shot. She retreated and grabbed the AR-15, opening fire.
“[They] came in with two normal pistols and my AR stopped it,” King said in an interview with Bay News 9. “[My wife] evened the playing field and kept them from killing me.”
The intruder who was shot collapsed about 200 feet outside the home. The other intruder is still on the loose.
King suffered a fractured eye socket, a fractured sinus cavity and a concussion to go along with 20 stitches from the attack.
DEKALB COUNTY, Indiana – A group of four armed intruders broke into an Indiana home recently, but only two left alive, state police told news outlets.
It happened early Sunday, May 15, at a home in DeKalb County, officials told WXIN.
The suspects forced their way inside but were soon confronted by the homeowner, who was also armed, the TV station reported.
The resident fired at the burglars, killing two of them, police told WTHR. The homeowner held the remaining two at gunpoint until officers arrived and arrested them.
No charges have been brought against the homeowner, WPTA reported.
The surviving suspects were taken into custody on charges of burglary and murder, according to the outlet. Murder charges can be brought against the suspects because they reportedly were committing a felony that led to two deaths, the station said.
Home invasion victim sexually assaulted while on phone with 911 operator, waiting for officers to arrive.
A California women was sexually assaulted, while on the phone with the 911 operator, waiting for law enforcement officers to arrive, responding to a call of a home invasion. Police response time: 7 minutes.
Following the assault, the woman was held hostage, with a gun pointed to her head, while on-scene officers negotiated with her assailant.
The suspect, Demetrius Trussell, was charged in San Diego Superior Court with 18 felonies.
Although, to date, no charges have been filed against the homeowner, the woman’s actions are not recommended.
In the state of Florida, for the use of lethal force to be justified, the victim must have the reasonable belief that his or her life, safety or well-being is in imminent danger. In fear for his or her life.
The woman (women) inside the house may have believed her (their) safety and well-being were in danger. But, it is hard to justify the the use of lethal force against a would-be intruder outside the house.
It has been reported the would–be intruder was “armed” with a tire iron and had actually used it to break a bedroom window. However, he was still standing outside the home. The shots fired that killed the man were fired through the window from inside the home.
It is appreciated the homeowner has not been charged for her actions in defending her life and that of her companion. However, it is not recommended that anyone repeat such actions. In another Florida county or in another state, such action may not be viewed as leniently.
It should be understood Florida’s “Castle Doctrine” dictates an occupant of a dwelling, structure or vehicle is justified in the use of lethal if that occupant has the reasonable belief the use of force or deadly force is necessary to prevent an imminent threat to life, safety and well-being.
How does a person qualify for “Castle Doctrine” protection? Florida law requires that two conditions be present:
The person against whom deadly force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering, or had unlawfully and forcibly entered a dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle, or they had removed or were attempting to remove another against that person’s will from the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle, and
The person who uses defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred.
There is no doubt the deceased victim made some bad decisions that cost him his life. And, it is appreciated the two women in the home were not harmed by an intoxicated irate man who, by all appearances, had ill intent.
The proper action to take in such circumstances and that taught in the NRA’s ‘Personal Protection In The Home Course‘ is to:
Arm yourself
Retreat to a “safe room”
Lock the “safe room” door
Call 9-1-1 and inform law enforcement of your situation
Maintain an open phone line with 9-1-1 until law enforcement officers arrive
Be prepared to defend yourself against anyone who enters your “safe room”
Neutralize any threat that forces entry to your “safe room”
Maintain your firearm trained on your threat until law enforcement arrives
Do not leave the safety of your “safe room” (Flee your safe room only in the event of fire.)
Explicitly follow the instructions/orders of the 9-1-1 operator and law enforcement officers upon their arrival
Keep in mind, you are a suspect until proven otherwise
