Attorney discusses Arizona gun laws
Yuma Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance incident Wednesday night, and discovered an unconscious man on scene.
According to police, a 21 year-old man shot and killed 24 year-old Anthony Ramirez.
A press release sent by the Yuma Police Department says the man intervened and fought with Ramirez after he found Ramirez in the middle of a domestic altercation with his girlfriend.
Arizona laws say use of deadly force is legal, only if a person’s life is in physical danger.
Criminal Attorney, John Minore, said these laws might apply to the incident, after police further investigate the altercation between the shooter and Ramirez.
“In a situation where someone’s life is in danger, a reasonable credible threat, and you take it upon yourself to intervene and stop the deadly threat, you are protected by law.”
Minore said domestic violence calls are always difficult cases for police officers to investigate, given the emotional nature of the incident.
“If the man witnesses a lady get beat up and he was beating her severely and it looked like a matter of life and death, he’s in the right for doing it,” Minore said. “He doesn’t have to do it, he is protected by Arizona law.” Minore says Arizona and California laws differ drastically, when it comes to gun control. According to Arizona laws, one must witness a credible threat, in order for one to use deadly force. “In Arizona a private citizen can stop a fleeting felon, if you are witnessing someone shooting somebody or shoot somebody, you can use deadly force to stop that person, up to deadly force.” Police say they are still investigating the case, and charges against the 21 year-old man have not been filed at this time.
