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View Full Version : Neighbor charged with killing teen who walked on his grass



KIISQueen
03-20-2006, 09:47 PM
BATAVIA, Ohio (AP) -- A man who neighbors say was devoted to his meticulously kept lawn was charged with murder in the shooting of a 15-year-old boy who apparently walked across his yard.

Charles Martin called 911 on Sunday afternoon, saying calmly: "I just killed a kid."

Police, who released the call's contents, said Martin also told the dispatcher: "I've been harassed by him and his parents for five years. Today just blew it up."

Larry Mugrage, whose family lived next door, was shot in the chest with a shotgun. The high school freshman was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Martin, 66, allegedly told police he had several times had problems with neighbors walking on his lawn. He remained jailed without bond Monday. His jailers said no attorney was listed for him.

Neighbors said Martin lived alone quietly, often sitting in front of his one-story home with its neat lawn, well-trimmed shrubbery and flag pole with U.S. and Navy flags flying.

Joanne Ritchie, 46, said Mugrage was known as "a good kid." She said she always also considered Martin to be friendly

:shake:

bachviet
03-20-2006, 10:02 PM
I was thinking it only could happens in TX but I was wrong. :P

clutchy
03-20-2006, 10:09 PM
I was thinking it only could happens in TX but I was wrong. :P


we feel the same way about californians too...

sad situation for everyone involved.

Jenny
03-20-2006, 10:13 PM
Link please? *sigh*

oblongmelon
03-21-2006, 07:06 AM
I hate it when people (or pets!) walk on my lawn....

Sirrich3
03-21-2006, 07:38 AM
Wow, something like this happened several years ago in CA.

ialsohaveadream
03-21-2006, 07:42 AM
Link please? *sigh*
Amen. It's really getting old at this point.

And if the story does happen to be legit, depending on the Ohio laws, it's possible that the guy could get off by saying the kid was trespassing on his property.

Cubsfan
03-21-2006, 07:59 AM
Here's one http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/03/20/ap2608795.html

mcs328
03-21-2006, 08:13 AM
I heard it on the radio so it's a legit story. Maybe he should have put up a white picket fence around his lawn. Talk about overkill. Sad sad sad.

DarkFury
03-21-2006, 09:56 AM
Pretty much, even if someone trespasses on your property... unless you are being threatened with physical harm... you can't kill someone for just being there.

I wouldn't be surprised if this guy don't get the chair for that... or at least life in prison. Hopefully Bubba won't stay too long on his back porch in the joint.