Bloggeronicusrex

Thou Shall Not Steal – Student Kills Intruder

John Pontolillo, a junior chemistry student attending Johns Hopkins University killed Donald D. Rice, a 49 yr old habitual offender who had just been released from jail, when he was caught crouching behind a counter in a garage behind the student’s off-campus home.

Anthony Guglielmi said, “Around 1:20 a.m., the student heard noises behind the home and noticed a door to the garage was open, he grabbed the sword and confronted the intruder…, the suspect lunged at him, kind of forced the kid against the wall, and he struck him with the sword.” Rice’s left hand was just about cut clean off and he suffered a severe cut to his upper body.

Two lessons can be learned from this event:

1)      Make sure you are armed and if you choose to have a blade handy, make sure it is sharp and know how to use it effectively.

2)      If you decide to rob someone you just might get killed.

Now, here is some bad advice from Susan Boswell, the dean of student life at John Hopkins.  She advises against self-defense by saying, “If you ever suspect that there is a prowler in your residence or on your property, call 911 immediately, experts advise that you do not attempt to confront the intruder, but rather secure yourself in a locked area until police arrive.”

Mark Bainter, commenting on Boswell’s advice said, “Good advice, IF the police even get there and IF they get there before he leaves…and IF the intruder doesn’t hear the sirens and decide to make this a hostage situation… and if the police sharpshooters don’t accidentally shoot you by “mistake” while trying to “negotiate” his surrender.”

He makes a good point.  Being ready at all times to defend your home, family and property is a good and noble cause. Many policemen and women do a fine job, but sometimes delays in action will cost you your own life.

More information on the story: Md student swordsman didn’t mean to kill, Student kills intruder with sword