On a quiet afternoon in Ladson, South Carolina, a 13-year-old boy bravely defended his home against two convicted felons attempting to break in. The boy, who was home alone at the time, used his mother’s handgun to protect himself and the property. In the ensuing shootout, one of the felons, Lamar Anthwan Brown, was killed, while the other, Ira Bennett, was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
According to reports from The Post and Courier, the boy grew suspicious of a car that pulled up outside his home around 1:30 p.m. on the day of the incident. Moments later, he heard the suspects attempting to break in through the back door. The boy then retrieved his mother’s Colt .45 pistol and fired at the suspects, hitting Brown multiple times. Brown returned fire, but the boy was able to flee to a safe place and call the police. When they arrived, they found Brown lying on the ground outside the home, and Bennett fleeing the scene in a gray Chevy Sonic.
Background of Incident
Details of Home Invasion
On July 7th, 2023, a home invasion occurred at a residence in South Carolina. The suspect, Lamar Anthwan Brown, a 6-time felon with a history of violence, broke into the home with an accomplice, Ira Bennett, in a gray Chevy Sonic. The two suspects reportedly entered the home through a back door and began to ransack the house.
Role of 13-Year-Old
The 13-year-old resident of the home was present during the break-in and grew suspicious of the suspects when he saw their car pull up outside. The boy, who was home alone, retrieved his mother’s Colt .45 pistol and hid in a closet. When the suspects entered the room where he was hiding, the boy fired several shots, hitting Brown multiple times.
Outcome of Shootout
Brown returned fire, but the boy was able to flee the house unharmed. Bennett fled the scene in the Chevy Sonic, leaving Brown behind. Brown was found dead at the scene by police. The boy’s mother arrived home shortly after the incident and called the police.
The shooting has been ruled as self-defense by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. The 13-year-old will not face charges for the shooting. The incident has sparked a debate about gun ownership and self-defense laws.
That’s all the information available at the moment about the incident.
Profiles Involved
Lamar Anthwan Brown
Lamar Anthwan Brown was a six-time convicted felon who had a criminal history dating back to 2008. His convictions included first-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, drug charges, assault with intent to kill, pointing a firearm, third-degree burglary, and felony drug charges. Brown was also known for unlawful carrying of a weapon, disorderly conduct, and trespassing.
Ira Bennett
Ira Bennett was another convicted felon who was with Brown during the home invasion. Bennett was also a six-time convicted felon with a criminal history that included drug charges, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and burglary. Bennett was also known for disorderly conduct, trespassing, and assault.
13-Year-Old Ladson Boy
The 13-year-old Ladson boy, who has not been identified, was home alone when he grew suspicious of a car that pulled up outside around 1:30 p.m. on July 7, 2023. Moments later, he heard someone trying to break into his home and retrieved his mother’s gun. When Brown and Bennett entered the home, the boy fired several shots, killing Brown and injuring Bennett.
The boy’s mother, who is a gun owner, had taught him how to use firearms for self-defense. The boy’s actions have been praised by some as an example of responsible gun ownership and self-defense.
Overall, the incident highlights the dangers of home invasion and the importance of self-defense. While the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, it is clear that the Ladson boy acted in self-defense and may have saved his own life.
Legal Implications
Gun Laws
The use of a firearm by a minor is a complex issue in South Carolina. While the state allows for the possession of a handgun by a person under the age of 18 for certain purposes, it is illegal for a minor to carry a handgun on their person or in their vehicle without the presence of an adult. The firearm laws in South Carolina also allow for the use of deadly force in certain circumstances, including self-defense.
Burglary Charges
The incident involving the 13-year-old boy and the 6-time felon who attempted to invade his home falls under the category of first-degree burglary. This is a felony charge in South Carolina and carries a possible sentence of up to life imprisonment. The law defines first-degree burglary as the unlawful entry into a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, while the occupants are present.
Possession Charges
The 13-year-old boy is unlikely to face any possession charges as he was defending his home when he used the firearm. However, if he had been in possession of the firearm without the presence of an adult, he would have been in violation of South Carolina’s laws on the unlawful carrying of a weapon. This is a misdemeanor charge that carries a possible sentence of up to one year in jail.
Felony Drug Charges
The 6-time felon who attempted to invade the boy’s home had a criminal record that included felony drug charges. If he had survived the shootout with the boy, he would have faced additional charges for the attempted burglary and the possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
Overall, the legal implications of this incident are complex and depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the case. While the boy is unlikely to face any charges for defending his home, the use of a firearm by a minor is a serious issue that requires careful consideration of the state’s gun laws.
Public Response and Media Coverage
Local News Reports
The incident involving a 13-year-old boy killing a 6-time felon during a home invasion in Ladson, North Carolina on January 3, 2016, received extensive coverage from local news outlets. The Post and Courier reported on the incident, providing details of the shootout and the criminal history of the two men involved. The report also mentioned the boy’s mother, who was at work during the incident, and confirmed that the boy had been home alone at the time.
Social Media Reaction
The story quickly gained traction on social media, with many users expressing support for the boy’s actions in defending himself and his home. Some users also criticized the media for not giving enough attention to cases where guns are used in self-defense. The Facebook page of Law Enforcement Today, which shared an article about the incident, received thousands of likes and shares, with many users praising the boy’s bravery.
National Media Attention
The story also received national media attention, with outlets such as Guns.com and Fox News covering the incident. The coverage focused on the boy’s use of his mother’s gun to defend himself and the potential implications for gun control laws. However, some media outlets also faced criticism for their coverage of the incident, with some viewers accusing them of using the story to push a political agenda.
Overall, the incident sparked a heated debate about gun ownership and self-defense, with many people expressing support for the boy’s actions while others questioned the role of guns in society. The incident also highlighted the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for individuals to be prepared to defend themselves and their homes.
Safety and Personal Protection
Home Security
Ensuring that your home is secure is an essential aspect of personal safety. This includes installing sturdy locks on doors and windows, using security cameras, and having an alarm system. It is also important to make sure that your home is well-lit and that trees and bushes are trimmed to prevent hiding places for potential intruders.
Gun Ownership for Protection
Gun ownership for personal protection is a controversial topic, but it is a legal right in many countries. If you choose to own a gun, it is important to be responsible and knowledgeable about gun safety. This includes taking courses on proper handling and storage, keeping the gun unloaded and locked away when not in use, and never leaving it unattended.
Youth and Firearms
The case of the 6-time felon killed by a 13-year-old during a home invasion highlights the importance of teaching children about gun safety. While it is not recommended for children to have access to firearms, it is important for them to know what to do if they encounter one. This includes teaching them to never touch a gun, to leave the area and tell an adult if they find one, and to always assume that a gun is loaded.
In the case of the Ladson boy who defended himself with his mother’s handgun, it is important to note that he was able to do so because he had been taught about gun safety and how to handle a firearm. While it is a tragic situation, it serves as a reminder that personal protection is important and that being prepared can save lives.
Overall, personal safety and protection are important aspects of daily life. Whether it is through home security measures or gun ownership, it is important to be knowledgeable and responsible.