HANLEY HILLS, MO — In the early hours of September 17, 2024, a man was shot by a homeowner after breaking into a residence in Hanley Hills and threatening the family inside. The intruder, Cedric Marshall, 38, has been charged with first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault following the incident.

According to the North County Police Cooperative, officers responded to a report of a home invasion and shooting on the 7900 block of Bloom Drive. Upon arrival, they found Marshall in the backyard, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigators determined that Marshall had entered the home while partially unclothed, confronting the residents, identified as G.S., N.K., and their two minor children. The family was asleep when they awoke to Marshall standing over them. G.S. quickly retrieved a pistol and ordered the suspect to leave the house. Marshall, however, refused to comply, allegedly telling G.S., “you’ll have to shoot me, mother-fucker.” In response to the threat, G.S. shot Marshall once in the chest.

After being shot, Marshall reportedly fell to the floor and pleaded with the homeowner not to shoot again. G.S. ordered him out of the house, and Marshall exited the property before collapsing in the yard, where police later found him.

Marshall has a prior conviction for unlawful use of a weapon, and given the circumstances of this case, law enforcement determined that he posed a serious threat to the victims and community.

This incident underscores the importance of being prepared to defend yourself in the face of an imminent threat. In many states, homeowners have the legal right to use force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from serious harm. In this case, the suspect’s refusal to comply, telling the homeowner he would have to shoot him, led to exactly that outcome. Ask and you shall receive.