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Man Charged in Renisha McBride’s Death

Prosecutors charged the Michigan man who shot and killed 19-year old Renisha McBride.

via dignidadrebelde
via dignidadrebelde

Theodore Paul Wafer now faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony or during an attempted commission. If convicted, Wafercould face life in prison.

“We have issued these charges because we believe the evidence will show that self-defense was not warranted,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.

The charges come two weeks after Wafer shot McBride in the face through his locked screen door. Police believe McBride had been in a car accident and was confused and disoriented when she approached Wafer’s residence for help.

Wafer’s lawyer told the press the shooting was “justified”,using language found in Michigan’s “shoot first” law that allows people who feel threatened to shoot first, ask questions later. Wafer’s justification has caused many to draw comparisons to George Zimmerman who invoked Florida’s “stand your ground” laws and was found not-guilty in the shooting death of African-American teen Trayvon Martin.

Media Resources: Detroit News 11/15/13; Think Progress 11/15/13; Feminist News 7/25/13

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