Dunklin County prosecutor: No charges in fatal home invasion shooting

KENNETT, Mo. -- Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff decided that no charges will be filed against a victim of a home invasion and burglary incident in which he shot and killed the intruder.

The Daily Dunklin Democrat reported that an investigation by Sokoloff, the Kennett Police Department, and Dunklin County Major Case Squad determined that no charges should be filed in connection with the death of Bradford Hill, Jr., 17.

Hill was reportedly fatally wounded after being shot by a local man who had previously reported to police a burglary at his home on Saturday morning, and was allegedly faced with an additional break-in less than two hours later, in which he responded to by shooting the intruder (Hill).

Local authorities say that the evidence demonstrates that Hill made entry into the back door of the house when he was shot in the lower left chest area. Investigators say that pellets entered into Hill's chest striking his heart and left lung area, causing instantaneous death.

The police said that the shooter had made a previous report earlier in the morning, which noted the theft of a television, watch and additional jewelry.

Police also said that the man told them "that after the burglary, he sat in the living room with a shotgun and when the intruder (Hill) made entry through the back door, into the living room area, he shot the man, who fell backward through the doorway."

According to Sokoloff's office, under Missouri law, commonly referred to as the "Castle Doctrine," the occupant of a residence has the legal right to use deadly force when someone makes entry with the appearance that they may have the purpose of committing a crime.

"The results of the investigation make it clear that the resident was within his legal rights when he shot the intruder," Sokoloff said in a written statement regarding the case.

"It is unfortunate that this has occurred, but we have had several armed home invasions over the last several months, and people are nervous," added Sokoloff. "When people are scared, bad things happen."