Self defense shooting in Springfield, Oregon

Here is the story from the Register-Guard:

SPRINGFIELD — Police believe that a Springfield man shot and killed an unwanted visitor to his home Monday night in self-defense.

The 39-year-old owner of the home in the 2300 block of E Street fired a single shot from a large-caliber revolver to protect himself and a female friend from an angry Rodolfo Leon Baldenegro Jr., Springfield police Capt. Richard Harrison said. . . . .

“When you fear for your life or serious injury, you have the right to protect yourself,” Harrison said.

Lane County prosecutors will review investigative reports compiled by Springfield police to determine if any criminal charges should be filed. A member of the district attorney’s office assisted with the initial investigation.

Springfield officers went to the mid-Springfield home about 9:30 p.m. and learned that Baldenegro had arrived there with others who remained in a vehicle while he went to the front door, Harrison said.

Baldenegro, who was unarmed, went to the house hoping to speak with a 37-year-old Springfield woman — a former girlfriend — who was visiting the homeowner at the time, Harrison said.

Court records show that a Lane County Circuit Court judge barred Baldenegro from contacting the woman last November, after she filed a restraining order petition against him.

The homeowner refused to allow Baldenegro inside the residence. Police said Baldenegro became angry and forced his way through the partially open door.

He got into a brief scuffle with the resident and his ex-girlfriend, which ended with Baldenegro being shot.

Harrison said the shooter and the woman were unhurt in the altercation.

The shooter’s mother said she went to her son’s house after the shooting and spoke with him about it.

“He said, ‘Mom, I feel really terrible because I didn’t want something like that to happen,’ ” she said. “He had a lot of sorrow, but he said he had to defend himself and (the woman) because the guy was very threatening and wouldn’t leave.” . . . . .

Thanks to Truman Stone for sending me this link.