An Indiana homeowner, Martell Pickens, 30, has been charged with reckless homicide for the fatal shooting of Khadolphee Taylor, 25, outside his Fort Wayne residence on May 7. The Allen Superior Court issued the charges on Monday.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Pickens reported being awakened around 2:45 a.m. by a man he considered suspicious loitering in his neighborhood. Pickens alleged that Taylor attempted to break into several cars and subsequently tried to enter his home. Surveillance footage from Pickens' property captured Taylor attempting to gain entry to the residence. This prompted Pickens to retrieve a .45 caliber handgun and confront Taylor outside.
Security footage also recorded Pickens asking Taylor what he was doing and warning him to retreat. Taylor reportedly continued to advance toward Pickens before the homeowner discharged his firearm, striking Taylor once in the chest.
Officers arriving at the scene found Taylor with a single gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Pickens admitted to shooting Taylor, acknowledging that the unarmed man appeared to be under the influence at the time, according to court documents.
Investigators learned that approximately 20 minutes prior to the incident, police had conducted a traffic stop involving Taylor. Officers noted he appeared intoxicated or mentally impaired. They discovered his driver's license was suspended, towed his vehicle, and instructed him to walk home.
Fort Wayne Police Detective Brian Martin stated in the affidavit that Pickens knowingly armed himself and exited his home to confront Taylor. Martin wrote that Pickens intentionally fired his weapon during the confrontation, leading to Taylor's death. The detective indicated probable cause to believe Pickens recklessly caused Taylor's death by disregarding substantial and unjustifiable risks.
Pickens was arrested and booked into the Allen County Jail, where he is being held without bond. If convicted of reckless homicide, he faces a prison sentence of one to six years and a fine of up to $10,000. Indiana's "stand your ground" law permits the justified use of deadly force when a homeowner reasonably believes it is necessary for self-defense on their property.