KFDM Speaks With Port Arthur Shooting Suspect

A homeowner tells KFDM news he was protecting his life and property when he fired shots that killed a man and wounded a second person.

It happened at about four this morning in the 4000 block of Lexington Avenue in Port Arthur.

Robert O. Howard was released from custody after police questioned him, while investigators look into his claims of self defense.

Howard did not want to do an on-camera interview, but he allowed us to show you this picture of him that is on a table at his house.

Police say three men showed up at Howard's home and created a disturbance while they were outside, and threatened to kill Howard. 

They argued for several minutes, and Howard said he would protect himself if necessary. Howard says the men left but then came back later and lifted up his mail slot and shouted that they were going to kill him and everyone in his house.

Howard said he went into a defensive mode and got a rifle from an electronic gun case in his home. He stepped onto his front porch and fired seven shots at the rear windshield of a truck the men were in.  Howard said he feared for his life because burglars have 'twice' broken into his home. 

Texas and several other states have passed a law known as the Castle doctrine that allows someone to use deadly force to defend themselves in their home, car and workplace.

"If you have given a warning, and you feel like there's imminent bodily injury, of course you have the right to protect yourself," said Deputy Chief Raymond Clark with the Port Arthur Police Department.