Should he have shot her?

[brockash]

For me it really depends. I think with 2 ppl. and the details that we have; that no shooting her wasn't justified.

How big/strong is the woman? If she's super strong and the boyfriend was smaller/not as strong as her ect., then I'd be totally fine with him shooting her. Although, for the most part, men are usually physically stronger/bigger than women, and there were 2 of them. Could they really not just shut the door and stay inside until police came? Was this woman really so big/strong that she would have been able to overpower two men? Like I said, my guess would be no, so if that was the case, then no he shouldn't have shot her, and in my opinion should be charged with something. However, if she was superwoman ect., then yes he would have had the right to shoot her.

ETA: Also, had she come with a gun, then I think basically no matter what, he would have had the right to shoot her, as it can go off at any minute, and strength most likely wouldn't matter.

As far as the violence against women/men thing. My opinion/view is this. It's really not so much a man/woman difference it's a bigger/smaller difference. While no violence is acceptable if someone half my size tries to hit me/hits me/threatens to kill me, while it's completely wrong and I'd be upset...it's very different and a completely different situation if it's someone twice my size hitting me and telling me they're going to kill me. When I'm confident that there's no way this person half my size is going to be able to kill me by beating me/using a knife ect., I'm really not in fear/it's not really a reality. However, it'd be really easy for someone twice my size to kill me by beating me/using a knife. So yes, there's a huge difference, but it's not because of the gender, it's because of any size difference, and as said, generally speaking a man is many times going to be bigger/stronger than a woman.

 

[Carly_Roach]

For me it really depends. I think with 2 ppl. and the details that we have; that no shooting her wasn't justified.

How big/strong is the woman? If she's super strong and the boyfriend was smaller/not as strong as her ect., then I'd be totally fine with him shooting her. Although, for the most part, men are usually physically stronger/bigger than women, and there were 2 of them. Could they really not just shut the door and stay inside until police came? Was this woman really so big/strong that she would have been able to overpower two men? Like I said, my guess would be no, so if that was the case, then no he shouldn't have shot her, and in my opinion should be charged with something. However, if she was superwoman ect., then yes he would have had the right to shoot her.

ETA: Also, had she come with a gun, then I think basically no matter what, he would have had the right to shoot her, as it can go off at any minute, and strength most likely wouldn't matter.

As far as the violence against women/men thing. My opinion/view is this. It's really not so much a man/woman difference it's a bigger/smaller difference. While no violence is acceptable if someone half my size tries to hit me/hits me/threatens to kill me, while it's completely wrong and I'd be upset...it's very different and a completely different situation if it's someone twice my size hitting me and telling me they're going to kill me. When I'm confident that there's no way this person half my size is going to be able to kill me by beating me/using a knife ect., I'm really not in fear/it's not really a reality. However, it'd be really easy for someone twice my size to kill me by beating me/using a knife. So yes, there's a huge difference, but it's not because of the gender, it's because of any size difference, and as said, generally speaking a man is many times going to be bigger/stronger than a woman.

You have 2 seconds (or less) to decide how confident you are that the smaller person, who's acting like a maniac, isn't a threat. Decide. Preferably when this person is coming toward your child, husband, sister or someone else you love with said knife.

Armchair/keyboard Monday morning quarterbacking is all well and good when you can sit there and mull over the facts for minutes, hours or days. But no one who's just read a headline or a news story has the right to try to second-guess or offer alternative solutions when they weren't the one making that split-second decision regarding how much of a threat the person holding the knife may or may not have been.

 

[IdesOmarch]

That's what pepper spray and tasers are for. And no, if she was not in the 2 brothers house, just on the street, probably not.

 

[rie'smom]

Was she waving the knife I wonder? No way in hell I'd approach anyone doing that I don't care how many of us are around.

 

[disneychic2]

Quick question, Have you ever faced a crazed person man, woman or child wielding a knife? It isn't so cut and dry as it is from the safety of your keyboard.

A knife is just as deadly as a gun, I actually saw more death from knifes than gunshots.

No, I have never faced a crazed person with a knife, nor have I faced a 19 year old crazed gunman. I realize it isn't cut and dried. I wasn't suggesting it was. The fact remains that we don't have enough information to make a judgement on the severity of the threat. They were outside and we just don't know if they had access to a means of escape or the home. IF they did, that was what I feel should have been done before shooting the girl. Wouldn't matter if they were all the same gender, I still think escape would have been the better choice if at all possible. The OP asked our opinion and I gave mine just as everyone else did.

 

[lustergirl]

I will restate what I have said before on here.....it isn't necessarily about money, there is an entire class issue involved.

The entire incident reeked of low class.....this is not a typical incident in Beverly Hill, although if an idiot movie star or ball player is involved....well, then you have money but still no class.

Statistically these things (bashing out windows, bringing a knife in, etc...) rarely happen in well educated areas. There are incidences but it just doesn't happen with anywhere near the same frequency.

I am quite positive there are nicer areas of New Orleans and I wasn't thinking "because this is New Orleans it must be ghetto" at all. It was the actual unfolding of events that made me think that.

Dawn

oh come out of your bubble.. So you are saying that smart people dont fight and cause trouble- get a grip. Violence happens everywhere- judge much?

Just edited this: I would of shot her as well and I am licensed to carry a concealed weapon here in NYS because of my job, so I would consider that violence as well and I have a master's degree- so I am educated.

 

[goofy4prez]

Oh Lord, lead me not into temptation to post on these religious posts!

Please don't! I don't know how you feel about the posts, but I don't smoke or drink, but I also don't comment on those that do. At long as you are not blowing smoke in my direction, it isn't my business. And please folks, leave God out of it. It's ok to post about morals without specifically mentioning something religious.

You two are correct. I edited out my reply to remove any religious opinions from the post I commented on.

 

[MICKEY88]

I'm guessing that the people who think the brothers could have easily overpowered her, never watch reality cop shows.

I've seen quite a few shows were as many as 4 beefy police officers, have been unable to subdue an enraged/ petite woman, and these women weren't yielding weapons, just resisting arrest.

Anyone who is certain they could singlehandely overpower a smaller person, with a weapon good luck, it only takes one slice or stab at the wrong place and you will bleed out before help can arrive.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

BIG "IF" I would guess they could have gotten away from her. I know that 911 responses in some areas are notoriusly slow but two men, it seems like they could have overpowered her. I think people who own guns are so anxious to use them. Just my opinion based on my friends and family who own weapons. Doesn't seem like owning a weapon is enough. Everyone has to talk tough about how they would blow the other guy away if they have the opportunity or sense the need. I don't have that dilemna.

I'm guessing that the people who think the brothers could have easily overpowered her, never watch reality cop shows.

I've seen quite a few shows were as many as 4 beefy police officers, have been unable to subdue an enraged/ petite woman, and these women weren't yielding weapons, just resisting arrest.

Anyone who is certain they could singlehandely overpower a smaller person, with a weapon good luck, it only takes one slice or stab at the wrong place and you will bleed out before help can arrive.

After tackling her the waving knife would be even more dangerous than a gun, I would not expect them to have tried tackling her...we don't even know the facts the knife could have been on his brother.

In the aftermath of the hurricane NO law enforcement is overworked & understaffed from my understanding and many people are carrying handguns for personal defense as response times are slower.

If my family or friends that I love are in danger Look out whether you are bigger or smaller than me I would be a mother lion defending her cubs. Whether or not they could have gotten to safety is for the court to decide, but what if on a nice day all the windows were open.. and the knife could have given her easy access before they could be secured? What if other loved ones were inside...would you lead her to them?

Based on the scant info we have it seems justified in my opinion, but we will likely never know as it will prob not be followed up in the press much.

 

[luvsJack]

Everyone keeps saying whether or not they should have been able to overpower her. There was no reason TO TRY. In fact, no one should try in an instance like this one.

I am not quite clear why the choices seem to be shoot her or overpower her. We don't know the exact details but getting away from her as quickly as possibly (as in RUN) could have been another option.

Maybe the guy made the best decision he could at the time with the information he had at the time? Maybe the only logical thing to do was shoot her. Sad, though.

 

[dngnb8]

An argument between a boyfriend and girlfriend turned deadly when the boyfriend's brother allegedly shot and killed the girlfriend late Sunday in eastern New Orleans, police said.

Officers*responding to a call of a shooting about 10:30 p.m. found the 33-year-old woman's body on the lawn of a house in the 1300 block of Maple Wood Drive. Paramedics pronounced the woman dead on the scene. Her identity has not been released, pending notification of family.
Gunfire broke out when the woman, after leaving the house a short time earlier, came back with a knife and confronted her boyfriend and his brother, said officer Hilal Williams, a New Orleans Police Department spokeswoman.
Earlier in the night the woman shattered her boyfriend's car's windshield during an argument and then left, Williams said.
When the woman returned with the knife, the boyfriend's 19-year-old brother had a gun and shot the woman once, Williams said.
Police early Monday were interviewing the brother. His identity has not been released.


So, it's a simple question. Did the brother act accordingly? Or should he and his brother have handled the situation differently?

Insufficient data to make a determination

 

[FireDancer]

Everyone keeps saying whether or not they should have been able to overpower her. There was no reason TO TRY. In fact, no one should try in an instance like this one.

I am not quite clear why the choices seem to be shoot her or overpower her. We don't know the exact details but getting away from her as quickly as possibly (as in RUN) could have been another option.

Maybe the guy made the best decision he could at the time with the information he had at the time? Maybe the only logical thing to do was shoot her. Sad, though.

You are assuming they could out run her. One of my female friends ran a 19:12 5K this weekend. How many people on this thread would have out run her if she was chasing you for those 3 miles? I'll wager not many and you sure don't want to find out you are the slow one in the chase when the other party is wielding a weapon.

 

[Hannathy]

You are assuming they could outrun her. One of my female friends ran a 19:12 5K this weekend. How many people on this thread could have out run her if she was chasing you for those 3 miles? I'll wager not many.

exactly! and what if you trip? and what if she throws the knife? what if your brother trips? and what if you keep running and so does she? what happens when you get tired?

If someone comes after me with a deadly weapon and I have a means to protect myself I'm using it. And I don't care if they are male, female, kid, dog, or alien from Mars!

As my DH and I have always said defend yourself at least you will be alive! Even if you go to jail a couple years you are alive and will be back BUT DEAD is DEAD.

 

[luvsJack]

You are assuming they could out run her. One of my female friends ran a 19:12 5K this weekend. How many people on this thread would have out run her if she was chasing you for those 3 miles? I'll wager not many and you sure don't want to find out you are the slow one in the chase when the other party is wielding a weapon.

I don't expect them to run for 3 miles. I expect them to run in the house and lock the door. I expect them to run into another house and lock the door.

There are assumptions going on here that this woman would have killed anyone that was around her. That may not have been true. She was mad at one man. and she brought the knife, more than likely, to threaten one man.

I can't say that I would or would not have shot the woman because I don't really know what I would do. I would have to say probably not because I don't carry a gun.

Did the man let her know he even had the gun? Did he try to just disarm her? That could be another possible option. As in "I will shoot you if you don't put down the knife". That may have been enough to calm her down and make her put down the knife.

 

[luvsJack]

exactly! and what if you trip? and what if she throws the knife? what if your brother trips? and what if you keep running and so does she? what happens when you get tired?

If someone comes after me with a deadly weapon and I have a means to protect myself I'm using it. And I don't care if they are male, female, kid, dog, or alien from Mars!

As my DH and I have always said defend yourself at least you will be alive! Even if you go to jail a couple years you are alive and will be back BUT DEAD is DEAD.

I doubt she would be able to hit anyone with a knife that she throws. The woman was in a fit of rage. I just don't think all these things would have been the case, other than maybe someone falling.

Her being female has nothing to do with it.

 

[luvmy3]

Yes, there are a few choices, run, tackle, shoot, pepper spray, but without knowing all the facts we don't know what the best one was in the situation. Also, since none of our lives, or our loved ones were (seemingly) at risk its very easy for us to assume what "other" choices they had, but I guarantee you that if you are in a position where your life is threatened, you don't sit there contemplating which is the best option to keep the knife yielding weirdo safe, you contemplate which option keeps you and your loved one safe, and you react in an instant. In this case the kid chose the gun, seems like a reasonable choice to me.

 

[luvsJack]

Yes, there are a few choices, run, tackle, shoot, pepper spray, but without knowing all the facts we don't know what the best one was in the situation. Also, since none of our lives, or our loved ones were (seemingly) at risk its very easy for us to assume what "other" choices they had, but I guarantee you that if you are in a position where your life is threatened, you don't sit there contemplating which is the best option to keep the knife yielding weirdo safe, you contemplate which option keeps you and your loved one safe, and you react in an instant. In this case the kid chose the gun, seems like a reasonable choice to me.

I agree, without "walking a mile in his shoes" its hard to know what any of us would do. I don't like guns and do not have one, so I would have to consider another option. If he had not had a gun, wonder what other action he would have taken?

and how does the law see something like this? He wasn't threatened, his brother was. Is that still self defense?

 

[FireDancer]

I don't expect them to run for 3 miles. I expect them to run in the house and lock the door. I expect them to run into another house and lock the door.

Even if it's 50 yards if she is faster than you she will catch you in those 50 yards and you are dead. Given the limited information here, like how far away the brother was when the chase would have started, and given the option of run away and hope you are faster or shoot I'd pick shoot too.

and how does the law see something like this? He wasn't threatened, his brother was. Is that still self defense?

Most statues, as far as I know, allow for defense of self or of others.

ETA: I found this quote and it might shed a light on the legal question:

Louisiana allows the use of deadly force in self-defense or defense of others to “prevent a violent or forcible felony involving danger to life or great bodily harm.”

That’s different from most states, which sanction physical force to prevent imminent physical danger and deadly force only when there is reasonable fear of “serious physical injury or death” — and the person in danger is otherwise unable to first safely retreat.

“Louisiana has the broadest self-defense law in the country,” said Stuart Green, an LSU law professor who specializes in criminal law. “The questions raised in this case are, ‘Was the police officer in imminent danger of losing his life or suffering great bodily harm?’ and ‘Was the killing necessary to save him?’ But even if it wasn’t, the issue in this state is whether his purpose was preventing a violent forcible felony involving danger to life or great bodily harm. And I think you can make a good argument for that.”

It looks to me as though in Louisiana the brother wouldn't have to believe his brother's life was in danger of being killed, just that he was preventing a "violent forcible felony" which I believe assault with a knife is and Louisiana doesn't seem to care, according to this quote, if a safe retreat is an option since it distinctly states that that makes LA law different than most in that respect. This quote was in response to a question about a different case which is why it mentions an officer but the question seems valid for this one.

I'm no lawyer though so maybe something has changed or this document was wrong. I don't know.

 

[Charade]

No, no one should ever shoot someone else. They should have left/run from where they were rather than taking on the confrontation. It was time to call in the authorities.

Excuse me for being blunt. If you saw a loved one (or pretty much anyone) being brutally attacked by another person and it looked they were going to fatally harm your loved one (or the other person), would you intervene (including shooting if you had a gun) to save that person or would you just call the authorities?

 

[Charade]

Just curious. If this incident had occurred in Beverly Hills or Westchester County, NY would you still think it was "GHETTO" or is that just because it was New Orleans?

What point are you trying to make with this comment?