Homeowner Shoots Intruder After Brazen Challenge

In a startling incident in north St. Louis County, Missouri, a burglar was found standing over a sleeping couple’s bed, naked from the waist down. When confronted and ordered to leave, the intruder brazenly challenged the homeowner to “shoot me.” The husband, compelled to protect his family, complied with the intruder’s demand.

St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell emphasized the legal rights of homeowners in such situations, stating, “Missouri law clearly provides homeowners with the right to protect themselves, particularly while on their property.”

The intruder, identified as 47-year-old Cedric Marshall, entered the couple’s home through an unlocked back door around 5 a.m. in the Hanley Hills area. According to court documents cited by KDSK-TV, Marshall’s presence in the bedroom woke the homeowners.

“Mr. Marshall then stood over the husband and wife while he was half naked and that awoke the homeowners,” Maj. Ron Martin with the North County Police Cooperative told the station.

Marshall, naked from the waist down, was ordered to leave by the husband. However, instead of complying, Marshall lunged at the homeowner, declaring, “you’ll have to shoot me.”

A struggle ensued between the two men, and the homeowner shot Marshall once in the chest. The suspect fell to the floor, reportedly saying, “Alright, man, don’t shoot me no more,” as noted in the charging documents.

Despite his injury, Marshall was ordered out of the house again and he complied, collapsing in the family’s backyard. Police later found him there, suffering from the gunshot wound.

Maj. Martin added, “we found his pants on their porch,” indicating the bizarre nature of the incident. Fortunately, neither the couple nor their children, aged 5 and 10, were harmed.

Investigators have yet to determine why Marshall, who resides about six miles away in Wellston, targeted this specific home. The incident left a trail of blood inside the residence, underscoring the seriousness of the confrontation.

In the aftermath, St. Louis County prosecutors charged Marshall with first-degree burglary and misdemeanor assault. He is currently held on a $250,000 cash-only bond.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of home invasions and the importance of being prepared to protect one’s family.

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