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Home Intruder Fakes Pregnancy to Avoid Getting Shot—But It Doesn’t Work
Why Every Gun Owner Needs Legal Backup—Even When It’s a Clear Case of Self-Defense
Think you’re safe because it was self-defense? Think again. Even justified shootings lead to police questioning, investigations, and possible charges. That’s why every responsible gun owner needs U.S. LawShield—legal protection 24/7, with no attorney fees.
The Story
James R., an 80-year-old retired electrician, had lived in the same modest home in Long Beach, California, for over four decades. Despite the area’s charm and diversity, Long Beach has seen rising crime in recent years, and James had already been the victim of three previous break-ins. Each time, he repaired the damage, replaced what was stolen, and hoped it wouldn’t happen again. But on a quiet weekday afternoon, everything changed.
James had been out running errands. When he returned home, he walked into a nightmare. Two intruders—a man and a woman—were inside his house, tearing through drawers, smashing valuables, and ripping open cabinets. Before James could react, the pair lunged at him. The attackers shoved him to the ground, kicking and punching him in a brutal assault. His collarbone was fractured, and he was left bloodied and barely conscious.
The intruders, clearly looking for something valuable, eventually located James’ small safe. They pried it open and made off with over $5,000 in cash, a family heirloom revolver, and some precious jewelry. But despite his age and injuries, James wasn’t about to let them get away.
With sheer willpower, James pulled himself up, staggered to the closet, and retrieved his home defense firearm. When the burglars saw he was armed, they bolted for the door. But just as the female suspect reached the exit, she suddenly turned and shouted, “Don’t shoot! I’m pregnant! I’m going to have a baby!”
It was a split-second plea meant to play on James’s conscience. But this wasn’t his first encounter with criminals, and the woman had just taken part in nearly beating him to death. James fired. The woman collapsed on the lawn, fatally wounded by two rounds. Her partner disappeared into the neighborhood but was captured later that day by Long Beach police.
An investigation revealed that the female intruder had lied—she was not pregnant. It was a last-ditch deception, an act of desperation to stop James from defending himself. “I had to do what I had to do,” James told local reporters from his hospital bed. “They weren’t going to stop. I was in fear for my life.”
California, with its often uncertain stance on self-defense cases, can be a risky place for gun owners who choose to defend themselves. Fortunately, James had taken steps to protect more than just his home—he was a member of U.S. LawShield, a legal defense program for gun owners. When the police arrived and the questions started, James made one call. U.S. LawShield immediately connected him with a criminal defense attorney who handled the entire situation and made sure James’s rights were protected from the start.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, James acted within the bounds of the law. In a public statement, the DA wrote that James “held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily injury” and “exercised his legal and legitimate right of self-defense.” The male suspect now faces five felony charges, including residential robbery, grand theft, burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon, and even murder, because in California, a person can be charged with murder if their actions lead to the death of an accomplice during the commission of a felony.
Even more shocking was the revelation that the deceased woman’s mother had served as the getaway driver. She had been waiting in a vehicle down the street and was subsequently arrested. Police said she had known about the break-in and was helping her daughter and the male suspect escape.
After the incident, James made a critical upgrade to his home defense plan: he replaced his old 12-gauge shotgun with a lighter, more manageable 20-gauge model. As someone with aging joints and limited upper body strength, James knew that weight and recoil mattered. He opted for a Remington 870 in 20-gauge—an affordable, reliable shotgun with a rubber recoil pad that made it much easier to handle.
For those considering a home defense shotgun, there are several key factors to consider. Heavier shotguns are more challenging to maneuver, especially for those with arthritis or reduced strength. Synthetic stocks are lighter than wood, and youth models offer shorter lengths of pull for better control. Recoil can also be reduced with low-recoil ammunition like Winchester’s Low Recoil/Low Noise shells.
A 20-gauge shotgun delivers about three-quarters of the wound potential of a 12-gauge, but with far less kick, making it an ideal option for seniors or anyone with physical limitations. Other solid models include the Stoeger Uplander side-by-side and the Mossberg 500, both in 20-gauge and priced under $500.
James’s story is a powerful reminder that criminals don’t care how old you are or what kind of neighborhood you live in. But with the right mindset, the right firearm, and the proper legal protection—like U.S. LawShield—you can be ready for whatever threat comes through your door.
The Lesson: Even When You're Right, You Need to Be Protected — Here's How
If you ever have to use your firearm in self-defense—even when you're completely justified—you will face an investigation. That’s why smart gun owners protect themselves legally with U.S. LawShield.
Take James R., an 80-year-old man who defended himself during a violent home invasion. He was beaten and left for dead, but managed to grab his firearm and stop the attackers. Even though police later ruled it a lawful shooting, James still had to deal with law enforcement, evidence collection, and the legal system.
Fortunately, James was a U.S. LawShield member. One call got him immediate access to an attorney—no guessing, no stress, no massive legal bills.
If you carry a gun to protect your life, you need U.S. LawShield to protect your freedom.