© WSB-TVRockdale County Sheriff's vehicles are pictured outside the scene where a homeowner shot and killed three men who were wearing masks early Monday morning on Sept. 16, 2019, in Rockdale County, Ga.
Authorities have yet to identify the three deceased men, Levett said during a media briefing. The sheriff's office told ABC News it is waiting to release the names of the men until all three families are notified.
The homeowner, who has also not been identified by deputies, was taken to the station for questioning.
"It could be a 'stand your ground' type case, based on the preliminary [information] that we have learned so far," Levett said during the briefing.
Deputies found two guns at the scene but have yet to determine who the weapons belonged to, Levett said.
The men were found outside the home when deputies arrived. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the two other victims were transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.
A neighbor told ABC affiliate WSB Atlanta that he heard gunfire around 4 a.m. Monday and ran outside to see what happened.
"It was five shots, and then it sounded like a handgun. Then I heard somebody have an assault rifle. And it was a slew of shots that came out," neighbor Carlos Watson said, according to the station.
Deputies are expected to make a public update on the shooting "this evening."
The legal phrase "stand your ground" became a national story in 2012 when George Zimmerman killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin following an altercation in their Florida neighborhood.
Zimmerman was charged with murder but used the "stand your ground" defense to say he had no choice but to shoot Martin because he feared for his life. In July 2013, a Florida jury acquitted Zimmerman.
Reader Comments
While the perps apparently deserved what they got, if the homeowner is white and the perps belonged to a certain ethnic category, given the insanity of identity politics that has taken over the country, TPTB will move heaven and earth to try to get the homeowner for something . Even if he were never convicted of wrongdoing, it could still cost him his job, or business, or an arm and a leg for a lawyer to defend him.
What about if the shooter had invited the men to his house?
What about if the men had accidentally trespassed or were looking to ask for directions?
What about if they were unarmed and upon being warned, they were walking away before one said something that lead the shooter to unleash?
So many possibilities, so little information! Don't jump to conclusions without having the necessary information!
What about if the men had been attacked by sentient masks and forced onto his property?
What about if the homeowner was luring innocents onto his property with a multi-pronged hypnosis attack carried out on public transit in the area?
So many possibilities! Of course I'll be shooting if I see three niggers on my property at 3am, but hey...
What about if the men had accidentally trespassed or were looking to ask for directions?
and why would they be wearing masks at 4am?