Family of Carmelo Medina, Illinois man suffering from Alzheimer’s is shot dead after becoming disorientated and walking into wrong home as 33-year-old homeowner alleges the ‘intruder’ charged in his direction early Monday morning. Chicago area police now launch investigation.
The family of an Illinois man suffering from Alzheimer’s are demanding justice after he was shot dead by a homeowner in after allegedly making his way into the residence.
Carmelo Medina, 62, according to his relatives became disoriented while making his way back home during the early morning hours of Monday when he ‘accidentally’ entered the wrong home.
The incident according to a fundraiser started by the man’s sister has since led to family members demanding answers as the family saying that ‘police refuse to do anything.’
Chicago homeowner alleges intruder charging in his direction
A report via FOX32 stated a man (without identifying the victim’s name) being shot early Monday morning after entering a home just on 1:30 a.m. in Chicago’s South Side along the 2200 block of East 103rd Street in the South Deering neighborhood.
The alleged shooter was only identified as a 33-year-old resident.
The report further stated that officers responded to a call of a person shot where upon a man was found inside a residence with a gunshot wound to the chest. He died at the scene.
During police questioning the homeowner alleges that the ‘intruder’ entered his home and ‘charged toward him’. The resident said he then opened fire.
When is it legal for a homeowner to use a gun on a home intruder?
Of note, Illinois state allows lawful gun owners to use a a firearm to protect themselves from harm from a suspected intruder into their home. Nevertheless, Medina’s family claim the 62-year’s death could’ve been avoided.
Illinois law allows lawful gun owners to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves or others from harm during a home invasion. Under the “Castle Doctrine” (codified in 720 ILCS 5/7-2), a legal gun owner has no duty to retreat and may use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent a violent, unlawful entry or a forcible felony.
Nevertheless family members claim the use of gun violence on the 62-year-old was heavy handed and unwarranted.
‘It didn’t have to get to that point where a gun had to be used,’ Medina’s son told CBSNews.
Fundraiser claims Carmelo Median was left confused and disorientated by medical condition
Stated Marilu Medina in a fundraiser for burial and funeral costs on behalf of her brother:
Area Two detectives have now launched a homicide investigation. It remained unclear if the homeowner would now face any charges.