A higher bond was set for a father and son who were re-arrested in connection with a shooting of a Texas man over trash in an alley, which was captured on video in a now-viral incident.
The Millers were released from jail last week after posting $25,000 bail, but according to local reports, they were re-arrested and their bail was increased tenfold.
“Several days ago, we believe, the deceased and the Millers began arguing over trash in the alleyway. This then triggered a back-and-forth between the neighbors, culminating in today’s violence,” the department wrote in a statement of the Sept. 1 incident.
Police said John Miller went outside on that day to throw away trash, and he was armed when doing so. He then got into a dispute with Howard. Miller’s son then went into the house and grabbed a shotgun.
“Ultimately, the deceased was shot and killed. Early investigation indicates both John and Michael Miller shot the deceased, with a handgun and shotgun respectively,” police said.
Howard’s wife, Kara Box, recorded the video via her cellphone. “The old man fired past my face and shot Aaron in the chest twice with the pistol,” she told KTXS. “His son fired with a shotgun and I guess it was a scattershot because it took his eye, the top of his head, his ear.”
Standridge then released a statement on the matter, elaborating on what he thinks was the motive. He also noted that Howard had a bat in his bad.
“Detective Jordan Brown reviewed this video. He believes it is apparent from the video, combined with the interviews of the Millers, that they were tired of their neighbor, Aaron Howard, acting out and yelling and threatening them verbally. They brought out firearms during this argument and both Millers stood in the alley as Aaron Howard got more and more upset. As soon as he raised the bat while approximately 7 or more feet away from John, John shot him,” Standridge said, according to the Abilene Reporter News.
Texas Gun Laws
Texas has among the most gun-friendly laws in the United States, including open-carry of shotguns and rifles. It requires a permit to do so.In 1995, Texas added its “castle doctrine,” which says an individual didn’t have to run if they were defending their home or property. In 2007, a “Stand Your Ground” measure was added, saying that “individuals didn’t need to retreat at all, instead needing only to prove they had a legal right to be present during the act of defense,” according to Houston Public Media.
The defendant would have to prove self-defense in the case, according to the report.
However, it’s not so clear when it comes to certain weapons. “For example, what if someone attacks you with a glass beer bottle? The broken edge of glass can do serious damage,” the firm says.