Jury rules justifiable homicide in store shooting

WALLA WALLA — A six-person jury has ruled the shooting death of a man during a break-in at a Walla Walla store as a justifiable homicide by the store owner.

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that the jury ruled 4-2 Friday in favor of John Saul, owner of the New York Store Western Outfitters.

Saul sleeps in his store at night, and reportedly shot Cesar H. Chavira on May 4 after the man broke into his store and stole belts and belt buckles.

Saul told investigators that Chavira had threatened him and he defended himself. Jurors heard testimony that Chavira had been shot in the back while in the middle of the street.

The jury’s decision is not binding. The decision on whether to file charges rests with the Walla Walla County prosecutor.