An 81-year-old Union County man was killed early Thursday after a suspect broke into his rural home, wrestled away his gun, and shot him, before turning the weapon on himself in a bathroom, authorities say. The victim has been identified as Bobby McGill, according to authorities.
Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards said the shooting happened around 4 a.m. Thursday at a home, according to a report by KWCH. Union County Coroner Pam Boman identified the victim as 81-year-old Bobby McGill.
According to authorities, McGill was in bed with a woman when a man identified as Eric Basco allegedly entered the home. The woman managed to escape and call 911, officials said. McGill then tried to fight off Basco, who authorities say took McGill's own gun during the struggle and used it to kill him.
Suspect Shot Himself, Is Recovering at Hospital
Sheriff Edwards said Basco appeared to have entered the home intending to burglarize it. After the shooting, Basco shot himself in a bathroom inside the home and is now recovering at a hospital, authorities said. The station's report notes that WTVA also covered the shooting.
Potential Charges Carry Severe Penalties Under Mississippi Law
Breaking and entering an inhabited dwelling under circumstances likely to terrorize an occupant carries a sentence in the range of 10 to 25 years in state prison under Mississippi Code § 97-17-23, according to Justia.
A killing during a residential burglary can also constitute capital murder. Mississippi's Castle Doctrine, codified at Mississippi Code § 97-3-15, provides a no-duty-to-retreat rule in the home and separately identifies circumstances in which killing may be justified, according to the Giffords Law Center.
Union County Sheriff's Office
Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards beat Jim Taylor to replace longtime Sheriff Tommy Wilhite, according to The Mississippi Link.
