To preface, I'm very much a supporter of self defense and 2A rights. However, this was nowhere near self defense...even by Texas standards.
Chad had every right to be there per the custody agreement. I suppose Kyle had a right to ask him to leave and retrieve a firearm. The problem here lies in the fact that everything Kyle did after getting the firearm was undeniably wrong and created a dangerous and deadly situation.
Self defense generally requires a reasonable fear of death or great harm. The issue here will be Kyle, who was in no real danger, went back into his house and grabbed a rifle. Not only did he do that, he subsequently continued the verbal altercation, fired a warning shot and continued bumping chests with Chad.
That's not fear, that's being an aggressor. So not only was their a profound lack of danger here, he continued to engage Chad, gun in hand, until it became evident to Chad this was a life of death situation and he had to try and disarm him to walk away from this. After all, the guy just fired at his feet without any real provocation. Chad's threats were all court based, regarding his custody. There was nothing violent here from him until Kyle popped a round off at the ground. Of course then it created a deadly fight or flight situation and flight likely wasn't an option for Chad being that close.
Had a gun never been introduced here, we'd have some bruises and hurt egos. No death or major legal repercussions. Had Kyle used the weapon in a less threatening manner he could have created a safe distance and waited for the police to arrive.
No question, if I was a future juror here it would be manslaughter all the way for Kyle.
