Thursday, October 9, 2008

Kentucky: Woman Shoots, Kills Ex-Boyfriend, Claims Self-Defense

Cecilia, Kentucky

From WLKY of September 30, 2008
Woman Shoots, Kills Ex-Boyfriend, Claims Self-Defense

A Hardin County woman shot and killed her ex-boyfriend Monday, but no charges have been filed because the shooter is claiming self-defense.

Kentucky State Police say there's still the possibility an arrest will come.

"She called and reported that this shooting had occurred and she was protecting herself, and we went down there," said Kentucky State Trooper Steve Pavey.

Pavey said it happened at a home where Angie Ricketts, the alleged shooter, lives with her husband and children.

Pavey said Ricketts called police right after she pulled the trigger, killing her ex-boyfriend, 37-year-old Eric West.

"He showed up unwanted yesterday and that he allegedly assaulted her and that's what led to all this," Pavey said.

West, of Magnolia, Ky., was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives said Ricketts claims this isn't the first time her ex has caused problems.

"She is telling investigators that he is the father of a couple of her children and that he has made threats towards her and her family in the past," Pavey said.

Police said they are still trying to determine exactly what unfolded inside the home, and Ricketts' fate will likely be decided by a grand jury.

"We just want to do a thorough investigation from both sides and just present just the facts," Pavey said.

Pavey said Ricketts will remain out of jail for now, because she insists she exercised a right all Kentuckians have.

"You have the right as a property owner to protect yourself, and under the new law that was passed by the legislature about two years ago, it gives even a little more, with protecting yourself and family and property with deadly force," he said.

Pavey said it could take several months before the case is handed over to the commonwealth's attorney's office and then presented to a grand jury.

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