While many anti-gun politicians and organizations love to say that armed citizens never successfully defend themselves with their firearms, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, we easily find numerous reports of Americans defending themselves and their families with a gun every day and all throughout the nation just by cruising local news reports.

One of the latest such incidents happened last weekend in Missouri when an intruder who kicked in the back door of a home was shot and killed by the home’s armed occupant. According to police reports, the mid-afternoon home invasion occurred in Scott City, Missouri, on August 24.

Scott City Police Chief Chris Griggs said the incident was an unfortunate one.

“It’s terrible,” Griggs said. “It’s a tragedy for everyone involved. Someone lost their life, and someone’s home was broken into.”

In truth, it was more than unfortunate for the homeowner who was forced to shoot an intruder in his home—an eventuality that we all hope will never happen. Fortunately, the resident was prepared for just such an incident.

According to Griggs, the intruder, Jason Vermillion, kicked in the back door of a home on the south side of Scott City.

“He was confronted by the homeowner which demanded that he left,” said Chief Griggs. “He said that he was not leaving, and the altercation occurred and resulted in him being fatally wounded.” 

The homeowner called 911, met arriving officers at the door and directed them to the intruder. Emergency responders began life-saving measures, but to no avail.

Fortunately for the homeowner, Missouri has both a stand-your-ground law and a Castle Doctrine law on the books. Consequently, Chief Griggs said the homeowner will not face any charges because it was a clear case of self-defense.

“Someone’s home was broken into and had to use lethal force, but was justified in doing so,” Griggs said. “Your home is your domain, it’s your property, you do whatever force you feel is necessary to stop the threat.”