A heated argument in 2012 led to a shooting where one man died. The shooter, a self-proclaimed crime watch leader, is now attempting to get away with murder using South Carolina's Castle Doctrine.
Juan Burns, who shot Charles "Blue" Lyons on April 8, may have a hard time with his legal strategy.
That Burns pulled the trigger and fatally shot Lyons is not at issue. Witnesses, including Lyons own mother, saw the shooting. The issue is whether the Castle Doctrine applies in Burns' case.
On April 7, Burns was found drawing chalk outlines of bodies in the street near his home, where the shooting occurred. Burns stated the drawings were a response to Lyons allegedly destroying a camera at the end of Burns' driveway.
On April 8, Lyons came to Burns' home, screaming and throwing rocks. Burns exited the home into the yard where he had a heated argument, seen by witnesses. Burns went to his truck, removed a gun, and shot Lyons several times.
The Castle Doctrine allows for the use of deadly force to prevent violent crime, death, or great bodily injury. Similar to Florida's Stand Your Ground law, there is no requirement to attempt leaving the situation.
Research has shown violent crime, particularly shootings and murder, increase in states with Castle Doctrine-type laws.
Burns is currently being held without bond while awaiting trial.
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