Man accused of shooting intruder now faces homicide charges

CECIL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Homicide charges were filed against a man accused of shooting an intruder who broke into his Washington County home.

David William Murray, 53, is now charged in the death of Nathaniel Gardner, 52, of Washington.

Gardner was killed on Nov. 25 after police said he kicked in the door of Murray’s home on Adams Street in McDonald. Police said Gardner was unarmed at the time.

Inside the home, police found a large marijuana growing operation.

Murray was previous charged with a felony count of manufacture delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or delivery drugs. Murray was also charged with misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

At first, Murray was not charged in Gardner’s death. However, in a news release, Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone wrote, “People engaged in illegal drug activity cannot invoke the Castle Doctrine as justification for the use of deadly force.”

The Castle Doctrine is a legal doctrine that designates a person’s residence or vehicle that permits him or her in certain circumstances, to use deadly force to defend himself or herself against an intruder.

RELATED: Washington County man charged with drug crimes after fatal home invasion

Cox Media Group