Easton Richardson Obituary, Authorities deemed actions of the elderly man in Fort Smith, who killed an intruder, to be justified.

Easton Richardson Obituary – Sebastian County officials have defended the actions of an individual who fatally shot a man attempting to enter their residence on June 28, 2023, as stated in a press release. The incident occurred on Seven Oaks Drive at approximately 2:15 p.m., according to the Fort Smith Police Department.

According to the press release, an elderly man was inside his home when he heard a noise coming from the back sliding door. In response, the man retrieved his shotgun from his bedroom to protect himself. A concerned neighbor also noticed the activity and promptly alerted the homeowner. Holding the firearm, the homeowner immediately contacted 911 to inform the police, as mentioned in the release.

Subsequently, the intruder managed to break the glass using an object and began entering the home through the shattered window. At this point, the homeowner discharged two rounds from his shotgun into the curtains, effectively preventing the intruder from gaining entry, as detailed in the press release.

Upon arrival at the scene, officials discovered the injured intruder, identified as 21-year-old Easton Richardson. Richardson was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The release mentions that the homeowner expressed sorrow upon learning that the intruder he had shot was a young man.

During interviews with the suspect’s family members, the police learned that Richardson had mental disorders and was not taking his medication at the time of the incident. The autopsy report confirmed that Richardson died from a shotgun wound to the chest, and the toxicology report indicated that his blood alcohol level was “three times the legal limit” for operating a motor vehicle.

Additionally, the report revealed that Richardson had tested positive for marijuana, according to the press release. The press release further states that the physical evidence at the scene corroborated the accounts provided by the homeowner and the neighbor regarding the location and manner of the break-in. Following a thorough investigation, county officials determined that the homeowner had used “deadly physical force in defense of a person” and would not be charged with any offenses.