Killing of Intruders at The Watch Co.
Maybe I misread the facts in “Merchant’s Rising Death Toll Raises Questions” (Feb. 22), but I hope it would seem reasonable to most people that two men who enter a jewelry store with guns drawn are not there to make a purchase.
As a police officer, I far from condone vigilantism, but if Lance E. Thomas’ most recent acts in defense of his business and life are looked upon by some as executions, then I suggest that all business owners close their doors immediately because armed robbery has just been deemed a justifiable act.
How would Laura Levenson (criminal law teacher at Loyola Law School) have any idea about “reasonable fear” from the safety of her classroom?
If in fact Thomas is of a “make my day,” attitude, then he is criminally wrong. But conversely so is Ruth McNair for her wrongful death suit against Thomas, because her two sons died in the act of committing a felony.
PHIL COLONNELLI
Manhattan Beach
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