Home invasion leaves family devastated

DailyKenn.com — Jerry Lee Driggers was fatally shot during a home invasion in Orangle County, TX.

One of three intruders, identified as Clarence Brandon Hayes, 28, was shot by Driggers. He was subsequently hospitalized and arrested. Public records profile Hayes as black.

Two others remain at large.

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Three individuals broke into Jerry Lee Driggers' home in Orange County, Texas. Sheriff's Office reported that the crime occurred around midnight on Sunday morning.

Upon their intrusion, the assailants demanded money from Driggers. In response, Driggers defended himself by pulling out a shotgun and firing at the intruders. During the exchange of gunfire, one of the intruders was wounded in the upper body, while another retaliated by shooting back.

Following the shootout, the intruders fled the scene, leaving behind the wounded individual, identified as Clarence Brandon Hayes, 28. Deputies located Hayes in a nearby parking lot and transported him to the hospital for treatment. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, felony conspiracy, and injury to real property.

Fortunately, the other occupants of the home were unharmed despite being held at gunpoint during the ordeal. They described the intruders as dressed in black and wearing masks.

Sheriff Charles Blackwood emphasized the legal right to defend oneself and one's home, citing the Castle Doctrine, which allows individuals to protect their homes and those within them. However, he cautioned against excessive bravery that could lead to unnecessary confrontation, stressing the importance of safety measures such as good neighbors and proper lighting.

Blackwood advised having a plan in place for home defense and highlighted the significance of not escalating a situation beyond what is necessary for self-defense..