WAGONER COUNTY, OK – The grandfather of one of the three teens killed after breaking into a home is saying the use of an AR-15 by the homeowner’s son, who encountered the home invaders, was excessive.

In 2017, an attempted burglary in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, resulted in the deaths of three teenagers. Leroy Schumacher, the grandfather of one intruder, argued that although the burglary was foolish, the fact the person sleeping inside responded with an AR-15 was disproportionate, giving him an “unfair advantage.” He questioned the necessity of using lethal force against three individuals armed with less lethal weapons.

“There’s got to be a limit to that law. I mean, he shot all three of them; there was no need for that,” said Schumacher. “Brass knuckles against an AR-15, come on, who was afraid for their life?”

The group initially stole items from the garage, but then two of the three decided to enter the main house. They wore black clothing and masks, armed with brass knuckles and a knife. Zach Peters, aged 23, who was napping inside the home, confronted them.

When he heard noises, Peters grabbed his father’s AR-15 and, fearing for his life, shot all three intruders when they got inside. Peters called 911 after the shooting, but by the time authorities arrived, all three teens had already died.

What Does the Law Say?

States with “stand your ground” or “castle doctrine” laws give individuals the legal right to use reasonable, potentially lethal force for self-defense without retreating when facing an intruder or attacker.
One could also argue that this situation represents a disparity of force. Disparity of force refers to a scenario in which an individual has a considerable disadvantage in a confrontation because of an imbalance in physical capability, numerical strength, or other variables.

It could also be argued this is a case of disparity of force. Disparity of force refers to a scenario in which an individual has a considerable disadvantage in a confrontation due to an imbalance in physical capability, is outnumbered, or other variables.

When someone breaks into your house, the outcome isn’t likely to be good. While the families of the teens have to live with their deaths, so does the person who took their life. Even when justified, it’s not easy to live with.