Man Fatally Shot After Kicking In South Carolina Apartment Door Ruled Self-Defense
RICHLAND COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA — Deputies say a man who was fatally shot after breaking into a South Carolina apartment acted as the aggressor, and the shooter will not face charges after investigators ruled the incident a justifiable homicide.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. Sunday at an apartment complex along Bayfield Road.
Intruder Kicks In Door Before Being Shot
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound inside the residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Officials said the apartment’s occupant told investigators that the man had kicked in the door to gain entry. In response, the resident retrieved a firearm and fired at the intruder.
Investigation Confirms Self-Defense
Detectives interviewed witnesses and reviewed the evidence before concluding that the shooter’s actions were legally justified under South Carolina’s self-defense laws.
On Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Department officially closed the case, stating that no charges will be filed. “The investigation determined the shooting to be a justifiable homicide,” authorities said in a statement released to local media.
South Carolina’s Self-Defense Law
Under South Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” statute, individuals are permitted to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others. The law also protects individuals who defend themselves during a home intrusion.
Law enforcement officials frequently urge residents to contact authorities immediately during home emergencies but recognize that such split-second decisions often occur under extreme threat.
Community Response
While details about the suspect’s motives have not been released, residents of the Bayfield Road area expressed relief that the situation did not escalate further. “It’s scary to think someone could just kick your door in,” one nearby resident said. “You have to be able to protect yourself.”
Authorities have not disclosed whether the two men knew each other before the incident.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced a home break-in? Share your experience and thoughts on local safety at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
