Grandfather Of Teen Killed By Homeowner’s Son During Burglary Claims AR-15 Made Fight ‘Unfair’

Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in March 2017.

The recent tragic incident in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, where three teenage burglars were killed during a break-in, has sparked a heated debate on the complex issues surrounding the use of lethal force in self-defense. At the center of this controversy is the emotional account of Leroy Schumacher, the grandfather of one of the slain suspects, who has come forward to share his perspective on the events that unfolded.

On Monday, 17-year-old Jacob Redfearn, 19-year-old Maxwell Cook, and 16-year-old Jake Woodruff broke into a Wagoner County home, where they were shot and killed by the homeowner’s son. The alleged getaway driver, 21-year-old Elizabeth Rodriguez, was subsequently arrested by the authorities.

Leroy Schumacher, the grandfather of Jacob Redfearn, has spoken out for the first time, expressing his belief that the deaths of the three teenagers were unnecessary. Schumacher acknowledged that the boys’ actions were “stupid” and that they knew they could be punished, but he argued that they did not deserve to die.

Schumacher’s statements have sparked a deeper examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. He questioned the homeowner’s use of lethal force, stating that “Brass knuckles against an AR-15, come on, who was afraid for their life?” Schumacher believes that the shooter’s actions were excessive and that there should be “a limit to that law” when it comes to protecting one’s home.

The case has raised complex ethical and legal questions about the appropriate use of force in self-defense. While most jurisdictions recognize the “castle doctrine” or “stand your ground” laws, which allow individuals to use deadly force to protect their homes, some argue that these laws may be too broad and fail to account for nuanced situations.

Schumacher acknowledged that the teenagers’ actions were the root cause of the tragedy, but he expressed empathy for the families who must now “live with this the rest of our lives.” He hopes that this incident will serve as a cautionary tale, encouraging others to “learn from it” and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation into the incident continues, the debate surrounding the ethical and legal implications of the use of lethal force in self-defense is likely to persist. This case highlights the complexities involved in balancing the right to self-preservation and the sanctity of human life, particularly when it comes to the involvement of minors in criminal activities.

The tragic events in Wagoner County have thrust the issue of self-defense and the use of lethal force into the national spotlight. While the legal system may have concluded that the homeowner’s actions were justified, the emotional testimony of Leroy Schumacher serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and lasting impact that such incidents can have on the lives of those left behind. As a society, we must continue to grapple with the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of force, with the ultimate goal of preventing further loss of life and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.