RSSMost people probably have no idea how they would react if they believed someone was trying to break into their home. Some people might immediately try to leave the residence or call 911, while others might try to defend themselves with a firearm or other weapon. In any case, when an alleged break-in or attempted break-in occurs, there is often a disputed version of events between the homeowners and the person considered a suspect by police.
On the night of June 22, a Rialto man had been attending a graduation party for his sister on Primrose Avenue. Family members say things turned heated when the 20-year-old man argued with his sister’s boyfriend. He had apparently been drinking, and some in attendance tried to get him to leave the area to cool down a bit. However, the man took off and headed towards the house of a neighbor.
A short while later, those still attending the party heard gunshots. Around 11:30 pm, a Rialto homeowner called police and said the same man was trying to enter her property via a window. Rialto police say than a confrontation ensued between the 20-year-old and a male in the home, and the confrontation ended in shots being fired and the young man’s death.
The young man’s family has disputed the version of events put forth by the homeowners. According to the man’s mother, the young man was not in the state of mind at the time to break in to someone’s home. In addition, the deceased man did not have a criminal record. Nor did the homeowner, however. In addition, police say there is evidence to back up the claims that the homeowner’s version of events is valid.
The outcomes of countless criminal charges, from simple assault to first-degree murder, can depend on a “he said, she said” or “he said, he said” situation. In the event of an alleged perpetrator’s death, families may assume the story ends there. However, as the Rialto case demonstrates, there may be more than one side to the story. Usually, enlisting the help of an experienced attorney is the only way surviving family members may be able to set the record straight and relate their version of events.
For additional Los Angeles criminal defense information, contact the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218.