A Grove City man is accused of luring a visitor to his Parlin Drive home and shooting him after learning of sexual assault allegations involving his 11-year-old daughter. Police identified the man as Malik Chandler and say he contacted the visitor on TikTok, later telling officers he intended to beat him up.
How police say the encounter unfolded
According to WSYX, Chandler arranged for the visitor to come to the Parlin Drive address through TikTok messages, then confronted him when he arrived. Investigators say Chandler shot the man and later told police the visitor reached into his pocket, which Chandler said made him fear the man had a gun. It was not clear whether the visitor was also accused of assaulting the child.
Legal questions ahead
Ohio law allows people to use force in self-defense or in defense of another person in certain situations, but whether deadly force is justified is ultimately up to prosecutors and, if charges are filed, a jury. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2901.05, once there is evidence supporting a self-defense claim, the state must disprove that claim beyond a reasonable doubt. A related provision, § 2901.09, removed the traditional duty to retreat in many circumstances.
What's next
Chandler is scheduled to appear in court today at 9 a.m., according to WSYX. Prosecutors and Grove City police are reviewing evidence before deciding whether to file charges, and the case remains under investigation.
