WOODBINE, Md. (AP) - Prosecutors have decided not to charge a Maryland homeowner who killed a man he thought was trying to break into his house.
Charles Dorsey acted in self-defense during a perceived home intrusion in July, State’s Attorney Rich Gibson said Tuesday.
News outlets reported that Gerardo “Gary” Espinoza was a guest at a pool party next door when he began banging on the door of Dorsey’s Woodbine home at 1 a.m.
Gibson said Espinoza had a significant amount of alcohol in his system and apparently thought it was his friend’s home, and that he was being locked out as a prank.
Dorsey’s door camera recorded Espinoza growing agitated and repeatedly trying to enter the home. Espinoza began cursing and shaking the door handle until the door swung open. Dorsey fatally shot Espinoza as he tried to make his way inside.
Gibson said a state review of evidence including the security video and Dorsey’s wife’s 911 call concluded he acted legally, reasonably believing that he and his family were in danger.
Espinoza’s sister said she thought the case should have been brought to trial for a jury to decide.
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