A man in Mexico, NY, is facing murder charges after he shot and killed another man in a grocery store parking lot, claiming self-defense. The suspect alleges he fired after snowballs were thrown at his truck.

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MEXICO, NY (2-minute read) — A man in Mexico, New York, has been charged with second-degree murder after a fatal shooting in a Tops grocery store parking lot. The suspect, Zachary W. Chilson, claims he acted in self-defense after two snowballs were thrown at his truck.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of February 15. According to reports, 32-year-old Jacob Walsh was shot and killed by Chilson, who was later arrested and charged with murder and criminal possession of a firearm. Chilson told investigators that he confronted two men in the parking lot and fired a single round after his truck was struck by snowballs.

However, a different account has emerged from the victim’s friend, Tommy Coe, who was present that night. Coe alleges that Chilson had been stalking Walsh for at least a day prior to the shooting. He stated that Walsh recognized Chilson’s truck from an earlier confrontation at another store. According to Coe, Chilson initiated the confrontation in the parking lot, leading to a physical altercation. After the fight, Chilson reportedly went back to his vehicle, retrieved a firearm, and shot Walsh.

Authorities have not confirmed whether there is evidence supporting Chilson’s self-defense claim. In many self-defense cases, the key legal question revolves around whether the shooter was in imminent danger and had no reasonable means to escape. Prosecutors will likely examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to determine if Chilson’s actions were justified or if they were premeditated.

Chilson is currently being held without bail as the investigation continues.

Safety Tip: Understanding the legal principles of self-defense is crucial for firearm owners. The use of deadly force is generally only justified when faced with an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death. Always be aware of local self-defense laws and seek legal guidance if involved in a use-of-force incident.