After an investigation revealed irregularities, authorities in Texas arrested a homeowner who claimed to have shot and killed a house invader.
At around 7:51 a.m. on Sunday, 56-year-old Douglas Watters contacted the Corpus Christi Police Department to report that he had shot an intruder who had attempted to enter his house with a female accomplice.
According to Watters, the burglars slipped in through a plywood-covered window. However, he remained evasive when asked why he waited many hours after the incident before dialing 911. His apparent delay became a crucial aspect of the investigation.
Around 8:55 p.m. on Monday, Watters was apprehended by officers and taken to the City Detention Center for booking. A murder warrant was issued shortly after the inquiry started, and Watters’ bail was set at $500,000.
As this case illustrates, it is critical to report events involving deadly force as soon as possible. Texas law authorizes the use of lethal force and mandates the prompt reporting of such incidents to the authorities. Reporting delays may result in legal ramifications and investigational difficulties.
Upon arrival at his residence, officers discovered the lifeless body of a 48-year-old man.
According to Watters, he shot the victim about seven minutes before contacting the authorities. However, the condition of the corpse contradicted his statements. The body was pale and stiff, indicating it had been there for longer, according to a senior officer at the scene. Medical personnel verified the man’s death to have occurred at least four hours prior to their arrival.
Officers asked Watters about the woman. He explained that he let her leave but instructed the officers to warn her that he would not be held liable for anything that happened to her if she returned to the residence.
Police discovered a pump-action shotgun at the residence, along with one spent round and one unspent shell. According to the autopsy, the individual sustained two gunshot wounds to the left side of his body, just beneath his armpit.
