A homeowner in Conyers, Georgia, shot dead three masked teenagers during an alleged robbery attempt on Monday. The incident is being investigated as a possible 'stand your ground' case, police said.
The teenagers, two aged 16 and one 15, allegedly tried to rob three people in the front yard of a home. One of the suspects brandished a handgun and fired shots at the residents before the homeowner returned fire, according to Rockdale County Deputy Lee Thomas.
Police found one teenager dead at the scene, while the other two died at a local hospital. The homeowner and two other individuals were unharmed. No charges have been filed, and the homeowner has been taken in for questioning.
Neighbours reported hearing multiple gunshots. Brian Jenkins told local media he heard a man yelling, 'Help me, I'm dying'. Carlos Watson said he heard 'a lot of shots' and saw a man lying on the ground after hearing a scream for help.
Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said the case could fall under Georgia's 'stand your ground' law, which allows the use of lethal force if a person believes they are under threat of bodily harm or death. Critics argue the law has led to more shootings and racial disparities in enforcement.
