A Texas man has provoked a debate about the right to self-defence in America after he shot dead two burglars as they were leaving a neighbour’s house.
Two weeks after the double killing in Pasadena, near Houston, Joe Horn remains free and has not been charged.
His claim that he shot the pair because he feared for his life appears at odds with his 911 call just before he opened fire, in which he appears determined to confront the men.
As prosecutors consider what action to take – if any – against Mr Horn, his case has polarised opinion.
Supporters have hailed him as a hero while others insist he should be tried for murder.
Any prosecution of Mr Horn, 61, could be difficult in Texas, where people have far more regard for self-defence than the rights of criminals.
A trial would test the state’s self-defence laws, which allow people to use deadly force in certain situations to protect themselves, their property and even their neighbours’ property.
Mr Horn saw Miguel Antontio DeJesus and Diego Ortiz getting into a neighbour’s house at around 2pm on November 14. According to his lawyer, he grabbed a 12-bore shotgun and called the police. He spoke to a police dispatcher for several minutes during which Mr Horn insisted he wouldn’t let the intruders get away. The dispatcher repeatedly told him to stay inside as officers were on their way.
When the burglars crawled back out of the neighbour’s window carrying a bag, Mr Horn told the dispatcher: “Well, here it goes, buddy. You hear the shotgun clicking, and I’m going.”
A few seconds later, he could be heard warning them not to move and then came the sound of three gunshots.
After the shooting, Mr Horn re-dialed 911. “I had no choice,” he said, his voice shaking. “Get somebody over here quick.”
Tom Lambright, Mr Horn’s lawyer, said that one or both of the men had “made lunging movements” at his client. Mr Horn was a “nice loving family man” who “literally went to pieces” after the shooting , Mr Lambright added.
Diamond Morgan, Mr Ortiz’s wife, said she was stunned by Mr Horn’s comments in the 911 call, which have been released to the public. She said: “It’s horrible. He was so eager, so eager to shoot.”
Police expect to finish their investigation in about 10 days and then hand it over to the local district attorney’s office.

I bet the thieves were illegal mexicans too.

I say the man is innocent. He did the right thing; something that most people don't have the guts to do (confront two criminals in the act). So sucks to your ***-mar Mrs. Ortiz.

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We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's name. - Sam Houston

Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less. - Robert E. Lee

my husband told me if anyone brakes in my house to shoot to kill. i said no, im going to shoot out there knee's so they cant get anywhere then ***** at them for about 30 minutes for braking into my home before i call the cops.

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Mother is the Name for God on the lips and in the hearts of Children!

In England he'd go to prison. But in Texas there's no way thats going to happen

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The Broadwayblues / New York Yankees
Sacred Heart University-Division 1 Men's Ice hockey.
Army Aviation U S A


Classic. And we get it.

Posted by... Nightflyer..Go get me a beer.... Posted by Zekos....get me one too b.itch Posted by... Exo1.Haha!!... good man!!.... .........yeah!!.... while your out there get me one too.....Posted by... SniperALpha1Corona with lime is the way to go. CAUSE THAT'S AMERICA *****!Posted by...Zidane Whiskey pl0x.

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I am with you there... first knees then their package...because REAL MEN don't do CRAP like that.

P.S. I will be nice and give them TWO WARNING SHOTS...

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-Fireball
Army Wife and mother of 3

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The Broadwayblues / New York Yankees
Sacred Heart University-Division 1 Men's Ice hockey.
Army Aviation U S A


Classic. And we get it.

Posted by... Nightflyer..Go get me a beer.... Posted by Zekos....get me one too b.itch Posted by... Exo1.Haha!!... good man!!.... .........yeah!!.... while your out there get me one too.....Posted by... SniperALpha1Corona with lime is the way to go. CAUSE THAT'S AMERICA *****!Posted by...Zidane Whiskey pl0x.

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Excessive force can get innocent people killed... that said, I have no issues where the law supports citizans protecting themselves and/or their property, rather then the criminals... he would have gone to prision for manslaughter in Ireland, cos excessive force removes legal protection here. You have to be in fear of your life and be directly attacked before you can use deadly force to defend yourself. That said, its so hard to get a gun here legally, chances are the slim to none, you will have a homeowner staring you down with a 9mm..

All well and good, the dude was not in Ireland, he was in Texas, so no issues from me...

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"Barrel High, Powder Dry!"

"Illic est haud effrego ex Veneratio"

Dude, what with the Mexican thing, you really dont like them do ya??...

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"Barrel High, Powder Dry!"

"Illic est haud effrego ex Veneratio"

To be honest with you, I don't like them. I have a lot of Mexican friends and soccer teammates who're Mexican but I don't care for their people as a whole. =/

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We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's name. - Sam Houston

Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less. - Robert E. Lee