Only in Pa. In Fl. this would not have happened.

[400SMS]

I like Texas law. All of you are welcome to relocate to Texas. Not only do we have conceled carry, but we can have a pistol in the car.

[kar98k]

ridiculous. i'm not entirely sure on the laws here in Kalifornia (although i assume they're stupid), but if i ever see a guy robbing my place he's not leaving alive, case closed.

[duckcreekdick]

"Zatoichi" (Shintaro Katsu), the blind swordsman, would be proud.

[cwo4uscgret]

It troubles me when someone, such as a coronor, gets press and recommends publicly that homicide charges be brought up when someone uses necessary force to save their (or their family's) life. It really paints the Prosecutor into a corner; but it would be really nice to see in this case that the DA says the coroner's recommendation is rejected, we've investigated this, and determined that the subject acted properly and we will not seek any criminal charges against this person. He acted appropriately and when faced with the probablity of mortal danger he did the right thing.

Now wouldn't that be nice!

[oscars]

As I thought, the coroner is an elected officail in PA

"In Pennsylvania's 67 counties, two are ME systems and one is an elected forensic pathologist/coroner. Nominal qualifications otherwise in the remaining 64 counties, and practicing morticians may be elected. About 50% are practicing morticians and 10% EMTs or paramedics."

Contrast with Maryland where tha coroner is a licensed Medical Examiner (Physician) with extensive pathology training.

This may explain why the PA coroner is so ready to assume a prosecutorial role. H'e hunting votes.

[slamfire1]

Intruder stabbed to death with ornamental sword in Erie, police say | - PennLive.com

Intruder stabbed to death with ornamental sword in Erie, police say
By The Associated Press
March 11, 2010, 9:29AM
ERIE, Pa. — Erie police and the county coroner are continuing to investigate the death of a man who was stabbed with an ornamental sword after he apparently broke into another man’s home.

Police have not charged nor released the name of the homeowner who stabbed 24-year-old Delvon Crockett in the chest about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. Erie police Chief Steve Franklin says the home owner returned from work to find Crockett there and stabbed Crockett with a sword that had been hanging on the wall.

Police had not filed any charges by this morning. District Attorney Jack Daneri said the investigating was continuing.

Court records show Crockett has a history of gun and drug charges.

Delvon J. Crockett, Unlucky Burglar, Killed by Homeowner with Ornamental Sword

Delvon J. Crockett, Unlucky Burglar, Killed by Homeowner with Ornamental Sword
True Crime Report ^ | 3/12/2010 | Pete Kotz

Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 12:24:36 PM by NMEwithin

The 29-year-old man arrived home from work at his flat in Erie, Pennsylvania and immediately noticed something wrong. His dog was acting strangely, and he heard a noise coming from the apartment. So he grabbed an ornamental sword from the wall...

The unnamed man found an armed Delvon J. Crockett, 24, apparently trying to burglarize his house. So he stabbed him once in the chest with the sword, fled to another room, and called 911.

By the time police arrived, Crockett was dead on the floor near a door. They also recovered what appears to be Crockett's .380 automatic.

The homeowner wasn't injured, but he may have saved his own life. Crockett had a history of gun, drug and assault charges.

Hope the cops wiped the blood off the sword so it does not rust. Be a shame if it gets ruined.

[campperrykid]

Should be interesting to follow this case as it moves along. I wonder if the defender or his neighbors have set up a site for donations to his defense fund?