The Texas Castle Doctrine allows gun owners to use deadly force to protect their homes, cars, and even businesses in case of a break-in, but after an 11-year-old was shot and killed playing ding-dong-ditch, some are now questioning the Castle Doctrine.
Forty-two-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. is now being charged with murder in the death of Julian Guzman and could even see his charges upgraded, but is this really cause to second-guess the Castle Doctrine? Turns out, it might not even apply in the case of Leon Jr.
Attorney Michelle Maples explained the details of the Castle Doctrine, saying, "If somebody is unlawfully and with force entering or attempting to enter your home, you are presumed to have acted reasonably."
She then elaborated on why the details of this case might exclude Leon Jr. from Castle Doctrine protections, saying, "It especially does not apply when you take your firearm, run down the street, and then fire upon fleeing children. That's called murder in Texas."
She went on to point out that the Castle Doctrine is not just a get-out-of-jail-free card, and it's important for anyone relying on it to make sure they're "acting reasonably." She said, "If somebody's not trying to enter your home, you do not get the protection of the Castle Doctrine."