UPDATE: Wednesday Feb. 19, 2014:
Despite initial reports, the argument between Cyle Wayne Quadlin and Kriston Charles Belinte Chee that resulted in the shooting death of Belinte Chee did, in fact, turn physical.
Quadlin told police he fired his gun because he was losing the fight and fearing for his life. Police are continuing their investigation.
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On the heels of a new report that Stand Your Ground laws contribute to 600 additional homicides a year, a Phoenix, Arizona father fatally shot an unarmed stranger in Walmart — all in the name of self-defense.
Police in Phoenix have not booked Cyle Wayne Quadlin, 25, justifying the shooting of Kriston Charles Belinte Chee after watching surveillance tape of the two men arguing.
Although Quadlin and Chee’s argument did not turn physical, Quadlin told police he pulled his gun when he felt Belinte Chee was winning.
“Mr. Quadlin was losing the fight and indicated he ‘was in fear for his life,’ so he pulled his gun and shot Mr. Belinte Chee,” police spokesman Joe Favazzo said.
“Just like what the guy said, he was not winning,” said Favazzo, referring to the security footage. “It’s going to come down to what the witnesses have to say.”
Belinte Chee was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. He leaves behind a wife and young son.
According to investigators, the two did not know each other before the shooting. It is also unclear what they were fighting about and what was said. Still, police refused to book Quadlin in the name of self-defense. If you recall, Arizona is one of the 25+ U.S. states with a controversial Stand Your Ground law.
After the shooting, Quadlin fled the scene. Police found him after a family member called authorities to report his whereabouts. They plan to submit their investigation for review to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to determine if he will be charged with a crime.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Belinte Chee’s family during this difficult time.
SOURCE: Daily Mail | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
