If Sanchez had been hit repeatedly this would be a different story. Our system is really just so unbelievably screwed up.
Well said, short and to the point. This is the core of the matter. The attack only allowed for the potential to use deadly force if the situation deteriorated. Sanchez, as you stated, was not repeatedly struck to the extent that he could not stabilize the situation.
I agree, sometimes the system fails- and it has here. Riverside California has western rural roots more reminiscent of Arizona or Arizona than SOCAL. But the area has also heavily urbanized in the last generation. Today, one would think Riverside to be far more SOCAL than Arizona. Then again, maybe western roots go
very deep.
In short, I could understand the Grand Jury in say, small town Arizona, Nevada, Idaho etc where local sentiment is far more tolerant of “whatever it takes” type actions regarding self-defense situations. That same decision, however, is more than just surprising in Riverside, CA.
Maybe there is hope, the family is appealing to the Attorney General of California. A decision not to indict is not a verdict. Charges can still be brought. Likewise, Sanchez could be brought before another Grand Jury to gauge local sentiment again.
Is it permissible to be attacked while holding your child?
No. That fact, however, does not automatically make deadly force warranted. It does, however, create a potential situation where deadly force could be justified.
"A bullet went through Paola French’s back and exited her stomach."
In this case, the man was attacked while holding a child. This creates the potential for deadly force. He then returned fire on not just the attacker, but the entire family (two elderly people). One of whom was shot in the back. My guess is that she was not a threat and unlikely to become one.
It would be different if say, the other two individuals had weapons (even improvised ones) or were encouraging / directing the attack and Sanchez felt the attacker was going to heed the encouragement and resume attacking. This, however, is not the case.
