Lafyette: Man claiming self-defense found guilty

[Speedlace]

http://www.katc.com/news/update-bond-set-in-rena-drive-shooting-case/

Murder trial ends with guilty verdict

A Lafayette man accused of second-degree murder of his former neighbor tried to argue in court that he killed the victim in self-defense, but a jury convicted him of manslaughter Wednesday.

District Judge Edward Rubin will sentence Jerry Steinle, 62, on Aug. 18 for killing David Trahan, 40, of Lafayette, on Dec. 10, 2009, according to Keith Stutes, assistant district attorney.

Trahan was defacing a door on Steinle’s house in the 300 block of Rena Drive when Steinle caught him in the act. An argument resulted, and Steinle pulled a gun and shot Trahan three times — twice in the chest and a final time in the back — as Trahan tried to flee, Stutes said.

At that time, Trahan was using a felt-tipped pen to write a defamatory message on Steinle’s door. Trahan had also previously vandalized Steinle’s home with another defamatory message.

http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110811002

'09 death does not yield time in prison
Attorney will still appeal guilty verdict

District Judge Edward Rubin sentenced Jerry Steinle, 62, on Thursday for killing David Trahan, 40, of Lafayette, on Dec. 10, 2009.

Rubin sentenced Steinle to three years of hard labor, suspended, and two years of unsupervised probation, according to Steinle's attorney, Thomas Guilbeau.

Guilbeau said that sentence translates into no jail time for Steinle. If Steinle were to violate his two-year unsupervised probation, Rubin could then incarcerate Steinle for the three-years of hard labor that he initially suspended.

http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011108190337

 

[03protege]

Seriously what 40 year old goes and writes on peoples doors with a sharpie? Play stupid games win stupid prizes?

 

[sonanth]

Wonder if it could have turned out better if that third shot wouldn't have been taken.

 

[Witiku]

Wonder if it could have turned out better if that third shot wouldn't have been taken.

OR, If the guy was not offered up any deadly force when there was no imminent threat to the shooter.

 

[Witiku]

Wonder if it could have turned out better if that third shot wouldn't have been taken.

OR, If the guy was not offered up any deadly force when there was no imminent threat to the shooter.

 

[SGT_Kramer]

The sharpie was not mightier then the handgun....

 

[srscott]

OR, If the guy was not offered up any deadly force when there was no imminent threat to the shooter.

may have been either, but I'm guessing the shot to the back was his downfall.

The use of deadly force against an unarmed person can be plausable if the aggressor is physically much larger, in much better shape, or if the shooter has health issues that would prevent him from effectively defending himself. The rub with this type of arguement is that you have to convince a jury, which in most cases, would rather be home watching the latest soap-opera or "reality tv" program.

 

[CEHollier]

Had he repainted the door black after the first vandalism attack it would have been a non issue. Or had the vandal not come back. Or etc... What the hell was a 40 yo adult doing writing on someone's door. It's not a good reason to kill someone but when you play stupid games you win stupid prizes.

 

[SGT_Kramer]

Had he repainted the door black after the first vandalism attack it would have been a non issue. Or had the vandal not come back. Or etc... What the hell was a 40 yo adult doing writing on someone's door. It's not a good reason to kill someone but when you play stupid games you win stupid prizes.

Yeah it was stupid! . Seems like it would have been easy enough to keep your distance phone police and use force if he came attacking at that point. The third shot in the back makes sense though. I read a big articaly about it in american rifleman. It's actually common to shoot at least once more even if perp turn quickly to evade. It's hard to turn off in your mind once shots start flying. But still may have been good factor for jury.

 

[Sin-ster]

2nd Degree Murder-- no jail time?

Right or wrong on the conviction-- the sentence is a joke. Why bother with the trial if the Judge can basically wipe the real penalty away? Tax dollars well spent, I guess...

 

[JWG223]

Had he repainted the door black after the first vandalism attack it would have been a non issue. Or had the vandal not come back. Or etc... What the hell was a 40 yo adult doing writing on someone's door. It's not a good reason to kill someone but when you play stupid games you win stupid prizes.

How about if we just give up our constitutional rights so we won't have to worry about Obama taking them? I don't agree with gunning someone down over writing on a door, but the hell with changing something from how you want it just to avoid their hassle.

 

[jro6803]

Lots of twists and turns on this story - would make a good movie. The two guys had been friends as well as neighbors. Victim claimed shooter had molested his kids. Victim had spray painted "pedophile" on shooters roof earlier. See story from advocate linked here for more.

http://theadvocate.com/news/553574-65/self-defense-testimony-planned.html

 

[JWG223]

Lots of twists and turns on this story - would make a good movie. The two guys had been friends as well as neighbors. Victim claimed shooter had molested his kids. Victim had spray painted "pedophile" on shooters roof earlier. See story from advocate linked here for more.

http://theadvocate.com/news/553574-65/self-defense-testimony-planned.html

Just...wow.

 

[stormrider54]

I had a lunatic neighbor once, creepy.

If my understanding of this is correct the dead man had big, big, mental problem. We may all be better off.

 

[Ironman26]

Too bad he killed the guy should have never happened !!!! wonder how it would have went down if he would have used a stun gun or taser!!!!! Taxpayers $$$$ would have been wasted on continuous calls to the police instead of court!!!

 

[LongGoneDays]

Wow that is a thick plot.

 

[Emperor]

The sharpie was not mightier then the handgun....

Good one!