An alleged late-night home invasion in Texas turned fatal — and the homeowner is now facing a murder charge.
Joel Adrian Florez, 43, was arrested and charged with murder after police say he fatally shot an armed intruder at his home in Big Spring, Texas, on Friday evening.
Officers found Florez and a 40-year-old woman outside the home. Florez told officers there was a gunshot victim inside, police said Big Spring Police Station.
The victim was identified as 36-year-old Phillip Samuel Lozano Jr. He was pronounced dead at the scene
Investigators said Lozano was armed and had entered the home when Florez shot him. Police confirmed Lozano suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Florez was arrested Saturday and charged with murder.
Authorities have not said whether Florez and Lozano knew each other. No additional details about the incident have been released.
Texas has a “stand your ground” law that states that a person may use force against another person if they reasonably believe that force is necessary to protect themselves.
Under the Castle Doctrine, residents may use force, including deadly force, under certain circumstances to defend themselves, their families, and their property, considered their “castle,” from an intruder or attacker, without a duty to retreat.
Florez remains in the Howard County Detention Center.
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