Houston case prompts outrage
A recent analysis shows the number of so-called justifiable homicide cases in Houston has more than doubled since Texas' castle doctrine was expanded in 2007.
FBI data shows the number of justifiable homicides has grown from 32 between 2006 and 2010.
The issue has been thrust into the spotlight after a recent case in Houston where the victim's family says he didn't deserve to be gunned down by a 19-year-old store clerk for stealing beer.
Jeremy Alcede with Tactical Firearms argues otherwise.
"With the economy the way it is, people have to fight tooth-and-nail to keep what they earn," says Alcede. "If you don't have a job and you steal from other people, then I don't have any sympathy for you."
Marsha McCartney at the North Texas Brady Campaign Chapter says law has gotten way out of hand.
"I think it’s appalling, I don't think anyone should lose their life over beer," says McCartney. "Its sad that somebody wanted a beer so bad they stole it, but it still is not right to kill them, that's murder."
But Alcede says if you don't want to be shot, then don't steal.
"If someone comes in your house and takes a penny or a toothpick, if any of your personal property is stolen from your residence, you're able to chase them down," he says. "I don't care if you chase them 20 miles away, if you feel at any point in time the only way you can retrieve your property is by killing them, then you're justified."
McCartney argues this latest victim here in Houston was unarmed, and posed no threat to the teenage store clerk who killed him.
"That's what the castle doctrine was initially for, if you were in danger," she says. "To be able to shoot people who are unarmed, it’s a sad, sad day in Texas."
Before Texas lawmakers expanded the castle doctrine, McCartney several District Attorneys testified it would make their jobs that much harder, but they were ignored. She says now the law is what it is and may likely never be changed.
