Homeowner Fatally Shoots Knife-Wielding Intruder, No Charges Expected

A Webster Parish homeowner shot and killed a man who cut through a window screen and climbed into an occupied house early on a Sunday morning in October, and the sheriff says he doesn't expect charges to follow.

Snapshot

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says Billy McFarland, 44, of Marrero, damaged vehicles, pounded on a front door, then cut a rear window screen and entered the home still holding a pocket knife. The homeowner fired, killing him at the scene. Parker says the case now goes to the district attorney for a final charging decision.

Key points

• The lead-up: A 911 call around 5:23 a.m. on October 18 reported a domestic disturbance in a speeding vehicle; the vehicle crashed after McFarland allegedly jumped on the driver, and he fled before a deputy arrived.
• The approach: Investigators say McFarland reached a nearby home, damaged two vehicles, banged on the front door, got no answer, then moved to the back and climbed onto an AC unit.
• The entry: McFarland allegedly cut through a rear window screen and was entering the home with the knife still in his hand when the homeowner fired.
• The sheriff's read: Parker says the homeowner appeared to fear for his own life and others in the home, and he does not anticipate criminal charges.
• What's still open: An autopsy is pending in Little Rock, the investigation remains active, and the district attorney will make the final call after reviewing the complete case file.

Quick take

This is a textbook forced-entry scenario — damaged property, no answer at the door, then a knife-wielding stranger climbing through a cut screen into occupied space. Louisiana's justifiable homicide statute gives real weight to that kind of unlawful, forcible entry, but as the sheriff himself notes, his expectation isn't the final word. The DA still has to weigh the full file.

Read the full story: concealednation.org