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Grand jury decides for self-defense in shooting
August 15, 2006
A Klamath Falls man fatally shot his nephew in self-defense and will not face any charges, a Klamath County Grand Jury determined Monday.
“They felt he was justified in the shooting,” said District Attorney Ed Caleb.
Caleb, who said 51-year-old Ricky Hargrove's actions against Eddie Valdez Jr., 36, fell into the realm of legal self-defense, brought the case to the grand jury to see what its members thought.
The pool of jurors selected to review potential felony cases found Hargrove feared for his own life and the life of his 14-year-old daughter, who lives with him. This constituted a right to use deadly physical force, Caleb said.
On Aug. 5, authorities said Hargrove's nephew, Valdez, first went to the home of his grandfather, William Hargrove, 80, who lives at 5545 Summers Lane, “in an erratic and threatening manner.” Valdez then wielded a knife and stabbed William Hargrove and Hargrove's friend, Warren Sorahan, before going next door to Ricky Hargrove's home.
After stabbing Ricky Hargrove, Valdez apparently went back next door when Ricky Hargrove shot Valdez twice with a shotgun. Valdez died at the scene.
The three victims were taken to Merle West Medical Center. Ricky Hargrove and Warren Sorahan were treated and released shortly after. William Hargrove was discharged last Friday.
Investigators did not determine a motive for the stabbings. But they believe there's a correlation between Valdez's known drug use and his outburst.
In 1995, Valdez was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, and in 2001, he was convicted of attempted second-degree assault, court records show.
By LAURA McVICKER
H&N Staff Writer
A Klamath Falls man fatally shot his nephew in self-defense and will not face any charges, a Klamath County Grand Jury determined Monday.
“They felt he was justified in the shooting,” said District Attorney Ed Caleb.
Caleb, who said 51-year-old Ricky Hargrove's actions against Eddie Valdez Jr., 36, fell into the realm of legal self-defense, brought the case to the grand jury to see what its members thought.
The pool of jurors selected to review potential felony cases found Hargrove feared for his own life and the life of his 14-year-old daughter, who lives with him. This constituted a right to use deadly physical force, Caleb said.
On Aug. 5, authorities said Hargrove's nephew, Valdez, first went to the home of his grandfather, William Hargrove, 80, who lives at 5545 Summers Lane, “in an erratic and threatening manner.” Valdez then wielded a knife and stabbed William Hargrove and Hargrove's friend, Warren Sorahan, before going next door to Ricky Hargrove's home.
After stabbing Ricky Hargrove, Valdez apparently went back next door when Ricky Hargrove shot Valdez twice with a shotgun. Valdez died at the scene.
The three victims were taken to Merle West Medical Center. Ricky Hargrove and Warren Sorahan were treated and released shortly after. William Hargrove was discharged last Friday.
Investigators did not determine a motive for the stabbings. But they believe there's a correlation between Valdez's known drug use and his outburst.
In 1995, Valdez was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, and in 2001, he was convicted of attempted second-degree assault, court records show.
By LAURA McVICKER
H&N Staff Writer
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leesa wrote on Jan 23, 2009 12:37 PM:
" these things should never happened in this world. the world should be safe. "
samantha r. wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:12 PM:
" this article is So true when your a teen girl and your pregnant It seems to feel like your life is over and there is no way you can fix it but that's not true if your young and your going to have a child then stay focused in school your child wants you to succeed in life so he/she can succeed in life my name is Samantha R. I'm 14 years old i live in Klamath falls and i might be pregnant :] If so I'm determined to make sure my child has a better life then i did :] "
Babe wrote on Jan 23, 2008 6:54 PM:
" I think that chiloquin people do need help and not just the teens but i have also seen places that are alot worse i moved from L.A to chiloquin and ive been back there since and trust me chiloquin is nothing. I also think that crime and drugs etc. are noticed more because it is so small compared to other places and there is no form of disaplin at all "
Tony P. wrote on Jan 19, 2008 7:55 PM:
" I remember the night the plane went down.. My mother crying and my dad in tears.. his dad searched for him for years...
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Jane D. wrote on Apr 10, 2009 12:00 AM:
I Love You Bobby
May your soul Rest In Peace
-Deems "