LA CENTER, Wash. -- Friends said they were stunned to learn that a Vancouver man had been shot to death after allegedly trying to burglarize a home in La Center, Wash.
The homeowner told police he shot Barry Parnel, 29, in self-defense on Tuesday morning. Parnel died later at the hospital and no charges have been filed in the case.
It was unclear Wednesday why Parnel was outside the La Center home and if the homeowner was justified in using deadly force.
"He's just not a bad guy and it's just sad that someone that isn't mean or harmful got killed for something like this, said Mary Rodriquez, who knew Parnel.
"He was a great kid, I watched him grow up, added friend Jarrett Stiers. "He's been everything with family, just an all-around great person. It wouldn't have been a conflict."
Police were dispatched about 12:30 a.m. on a report of a burglary in progress in the 900 block of NW Pacific Highway. While en route, the victim told dispatchers that he shot the suspect outside the home, said Sgt. Alex Schoening.
Arriving deputies found a man in the driveway who had been shot in the torso.
Detectives were interviewing the residents and processing the home for evidence. Prosecutors would not discuss whether Parnel was armed or if he had made any threats to the homeowner, saying the investigation was ongoing.
