Homeowner kills would-be burglar

HOBBS, N.M. (KRQE) - A 70-year-old man called 911 last night and told police someone was breaking into his house. He had a gun, and a short time later he proved he knew how to use it.

Hobbs police say Wallace Roberson, 43, tried to break into a home on the 1100 block of North Denson Street in Hobbs. The homeowner Watson Green, 70, immediately called police, grabbed his handgun and fired a single shot through the back door.

"We've had a lot of break-ins in Hobbs lately, and we've had even a few home invasions," Officer Mike Stone said. "It appears that the residents of the home were probably scared."

The single shot went through Green's back door hitting Roberson. When paramedics arrived they found him bleeding in an alley. He died from his injuries.

Roberson was arrested two weeks ago for burglary. He also has prior convictions for aggravated assault and battery dating back to 2007. Now this case is under investigation and in the District Attorney's hands.

"We're looking at what occurred and to determine if someone was acting in self-defense or if they were acting in any manner that could be considered reckless," Chief Deputy District Attorney Dianna Luce said.

Luce said if the investigation shows there is hard evidence to prove Roberson was trying break into the house, it would give homeowner the right to defend his property and the shooting would likely be ruled as justified.