An investigation has begun in Oklahoma, USA after three teenagers were shot dead in broad daylight after trying to break into a house.
The suspected burglars, who were dressed in black, wearing masks, gloves and carrying knives, were killed with a rifle.
It's believed they were gunned down by the homeowner's 23-year-old son after he was confronted.
A fourth person, the getaway driver, Elizabeth Marie Rodriguez, turned herself into police after the shooting on Monday.
Credit: 6News/Youtube
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The investigation is continuing but it would appear the 23-year-old son acted in self-defence.
The current theory is that he was at home asleep when he was woken by banging noises at 12:30pm on Monday.
The now-dead robbers are suspected to have tried to gain entry through the backdoor after they shattered the glass.
Two of the teens died in the kitchen, while a third ran to driveway before collapsing - likely to have succumbed to his injuries.
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Wagoner County Sheriff, Deputy Nick Mahoney, told CNN: "[The] preliminary investigation looks like it's self-defence. This may be a case of 'stand your ground', however, it's still too early to say for sure, and we're still looking into all aspects of this."
Mahoney continued to suggest there was no reason to believe that the shooter knew the suspected burglars, and that he is yet to be charged after he fully cooperated with authorities and gave a statement.
Rodriguez handed herself in, and has been arrested on three counts of first degree murder, and three counts of first degree burglary.
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Oklahoma law states that a person suspected of committing a crime that results in a death can face murder charges even if they did not kill anyone.
Under the Oklahoma Penal Code section 21-701.7 and 21-701.9 for murder in the first degree, it reads: "Homicide is murder in the first degree in the following cases: Taking the life of a human during the commission (or attempted commission) of one of the following crimes: murder, shooting a firearm with intent to kill... first-degree burglary..."
The state, in central north America, still carries the death penalty which does apply to this section; alongside imprisonment for life without parole, and imprisonment for life.
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Source: Daily Mail and CNN
Featured Image Credit: 6 News / YouTube