A suspected burglar in Raleigh, North Carolina, is recovering in the hospital — and facing serious charges — after allegedly attempting to break into a home and being shot by the homeowner in a late-night confrontation.
The incident occurred around midnight on Wednesday, when police were dispatched to the scene following reports of a shooting. According to MyFOX8, investigators said there was “some type of attempted entry” into the residence, which led the homeowner to use lethal force in self-defense.
When authorities arrived, they discovered 26-year-old Christian Beasley with a gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to the hospital for treatment. Officials have stated that his injuries are not life-threatening.
However, once he’s released from medical care, Beasley won’t be heading home — he’ll be heading to court. Police confirmed that he will be charged with first-degree burglary and damage to property, both serious felonies under North Carolina law.
Importantly, police have cleared the homeowner of any wrongdoing, saying they will not pursue charges. The details strongly suggest the homeowner acted lawfully under North Carolina’s self-defense laws, which include protections for residents who use force — including deadly force — to defend themselves against an unlawful and forced entry into their home.
The case serves as another reminder of the importance of Castle Doctrine laws in many states, which uphold the right of individuals to defend their homes against intruders without a duty to retreat.
In North Carolina, if someone forcibly enters your home, the law presumes you have the legal right to defend yourself with force — and that appears to be exactly what unfolded in this case.
For now, the suspect remains in custody at the hospital. Once he is cleared for release, the legal process will begin — with potential prison time ahead.
Meanwhile, the homeowner, though no doubt shaken, is not expected to face further legal scrutiny. As police made clear: he did what the law allows — and what many Americans believe is a fundamental right — protecting his home and family when no one else could.
