Shoot somebody: collect $250,000

   A south-central Kansas mechanic who was shot has been ordered to pay at least $250,000 to the man who shot him.
   A jury in Sedgwick County issued the verdict Thursday in a civil case that came 18 months after a jury in a criminal trial found that the shooter had acted in self-defense.
   Keith McGinley, a small-engine repairman, was shot in October 2003.  He sued the shooter, Dan Herpolsheimer, of Mulvane. Herpolsheimer then filed a countersuit for battery and trespassing, saying that McGinley had attacked him and ordered him out of his home, then pulled a knife. Herpolsheimer said he then shot McGinley with a .357 Magnum.
   Besides the quarter million he gets for pain, suffering and mental anguish, Herpolsheimer will now be allowed to seek another $500,000 in punitive damages.

AP story

Comments

[Wilber]

People should not be able to defend themselves. If an attacker wants to stab you, take the stab and then call 911. Help will be on the way. But no defense. Leave it to the police. they are trained.

Agreed. I mean, you didn't see the Vice President's victim turn around and shoot him back. He just left up to a timely, well directed, immediate investigation into the matter. Oh, wait...he helped cover up the crime.

[Mike]

He apologized for being in the way of the VP's birdshot.

[weldon]

In America, you must be shot and be polite. same for stabbings. do not ever ever ever fight back.

[Johnny]

Ummm... sarcasm doesn't come across too well in typeface, but I hope all these comments about no personal defense are tongue in cheek.

weldon - I must take issue with your comment that you must be shot and be polite. I rather think that you should, in fact, show gratitude. After all, the shooter may very well have just ensured you will get a movie of the week. I say welcome more shootings and tea parties.

[Jasonary]

Right Weldon, let's put ourselves in the line of fire and save other from the disaster. Very chivalrous. I am game.

[Jim]

Your left leaning anti_gun statements in your paper are the reason why I do not purchase the Star.

This man should thank God he gets to live another day. We all should.

[t]

Jim

Wonderful comment. I think the answer to gunshots and stabbings is to wear body armor at all times. This could be prevented.

[kradzo]

Wilbur's gotta be kidding, right? Just sit there quivering and let someone stab you. I guess you don't realize that when someone stabs you, their intent is probably to KILL YOU! Leave it the police? Yes, they are trained but they are NOT THERE.

Each person should be responsible for their own safety first. Unfortunately, this country is turning into a nation of cowards who are afraid to stand up to evil. Let someone else do it for them.

[Sandy]

This story is all bullsh*t. Dan Herpolsheimer, the shooter, lied about being attacked and shot the mechanic in front of a cop who ordered Dan Herpolsheimer to lower his weapon. Dan Herpolsheimer has a mistress who he beat up and she called the mechanic a friend of hers to come and pick her up. Dan shot the mechanic because he's rich and he can do anything he wants and get away with it, as you can see. The story is a just that, a story. There is no hope of justice for the poor.