As reported, 18 year old Michael Holmes III and another person attempted to break in to a home. The home was being rehabbed by its owner, so that the owner, his wife, and their child could move in to the house. The owner, a Navy service member, was working inside the house when the two men are said to have forced their way in. The homeowner opened fire in self defense, killing Holmes. The other suspect then fled, but was apprehended by police a short while later.
Home invasions are a serious threat to the safety of those in the home, as criminals often murder, kidnap, or otherwise harm their innocent victims. Had this man not had a gun, it is almost certain that he would not have been able to call the police and have them respond quickly enough to save him. Similarly, few unarmed people can successfully fight off a pair of home invaders by themselves, especially when those attackers are young males who are near the peak of their physical ability. Fortunately for this man, he was armed for self defense, and managed to save himself from home invaders who had no right to break into his house and endanger his life. Thanks to his quick self defense action, this man’s wife and child won’t have to mourn the death or serious injury that could have been inflicted upon him by a pair of home invaders.
While it is unfortunate that Holmes lost his life, it is far better that the risk of death fall upon the home invading criminal, rather than their innocent victim.