MARSDEN, PENNSYLVANIA– A man shot and killed a burglar inside his Marsden home on Sunday, thinking that the burglar was his own daughter coming home from a late night out studying, Marsden Police said.
Detectives on the case stated that 47 year old John Basher fired multiple shots at the burglar after he had entered into his home through an opened window. The coroner said that the burglar, 33 year old Brad Smith, died from six gunshot wounds to the head.
“Mr. Smith was pronounced dead after coroners realized that he wasn’t breathing,” said Detective Don Rasmus to reporters. “The homeowner Mr. Basher fired at Mr. Smith believing that he was his own daughter. Since the city of Marsden has no laws on the books for anyone killing someone and thinking that they were someone else, Mr. Basher will not be charged with any crimes.”
“It was a simple mistake,” John Basher told reporters with his 17 year old daughter by his side. “I didn’t mean to do it. I sincerely apologize to Mr. Smith’s family. I know he was probably just down on his luck and needed some money to buy drugs. If he would’ve just knocked on my front door and asked, I probably would’ve given him some extra cash to get his fix. I feel so terrible.”
After kissing his daughter on top of her head, Basher shook his head and grimaced. “This’s sorta embarrassing. I really thought that the burglar was my darling Michelle. She’s been coming home late every night from studying at the library and I wanted to teach her a lesson. Maybe next time I’ll turn on the lights first before I start firing.”
Feeling guilty for shooting an innocent man, Basher started an online donation page to help with the deceased burglar’s expenses.
“I wanna help the guy’s family with any funeral related costs and expenses,” Basher said, empathetic.
The Marsden Police department has also started a donation page to help the victim’s family.
A vigil will be held for the victim at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
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