Family Of Robbery Suspect Blames Retired Marine for Fatal Shooting

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dave July 29, 2016 10:04 am (Pacific time)

Awww. Those poor boys. But my momma always said, stupid is as stupid does. Now stupid is dead. Call me what you want - free people make free decisions and sometimes those decisions turn out to be stupid. What is it the Darwin Awards folks say - 'BEFORE you decide to do something, think about what the worst possible outcome could be', or something close to that. Apparently these two guys didn't think. Their mistake, not the intended victim's. And I'm not being 'analytical'. I'm just being a 'bad person' who doesn't think a criminal getting killed by an intended victim is any kind of tragedy. And I'm not being racist either - this was stupid, criminal behavior, NOT 'black' behavior.

Pete July 29, 2016 7:55 am (Pacific time)

The writer says the relatives' comment would be understandable if an unarmed home intruder was shot and killed? If someone comes illegally into your home you shoot first and ask questions later. How dare you try to make a case for defending your home and family. Are you supposed to ask an illegal intruder if he is armed? What a clown. BTW, that "family" needs some reality testing and for once it would be nice if famiies would demand their offspring to take responsiblity for their illegal and violent actions. In this instance, those young men earned the right to be shot.

Gary Thomas -Proud conservative BRO June 4, 2014 9:37 am (Pacific time)

Gary Thomas - All roberries, carjackings, and other felonies should end the same way-two center mass and or two to the head. In the days of the Old West, stagecoach holdups was the carjacking of its day and thus the same mentality prevails today-Remember a thug is a thug. I'm glad Mr. Lovell did his civic duty and eliminated one thug and seriously wounded the other. As for the two thugs, they became the victims of an occupational hazzard. And yes, even back shots are ok if the felon[s] maintain their weapons.

Gary Thomas -Proud conservative BRO June 4, 2014 9:27 am (Pacific time)

El Cacique February 23, 2014 11:54 pm (Pacific time)

I am terrified of someone breaking in my house. I can only hope that my wife will protect me.

rickers November 30, 2013 10:12 am (Pacific time)

The perp's family just has a different set of values- if the old guy would have been killed, no big deal, but since their "loving son" was killed, it's a tragedy. Like they say, you never know who you are messing with. They went looking for trouble, and they found it!! Two less pieces of crap walking around to hurt some innoncent!

TBone August 22, 2013 11:18 am (Pacific time)

editor: you seem to like stirring the pot. The main instigator of the "race card" has been you! At least, that's the way I see it after reading every single post here from the last 5 years. Bottom line: John Lovell is a hero. These 2 dudes got what was coming to them. HUA.

TBone I have standards, or a line in the sand if I see comments as racist, but I think this Marine did what he was supposed to do.

Todd August 21, 2013 12:29 pm (Pacific time)

Those young men got what they deserved. Shame on their parents for not raising them properly. If you carry a gun, then you better be prepared ti use it. Two guns verse one marine. They didn't have a chance. They are where they belong.

Anonymous June 14, 2013 11:49 pm (Pacific time)

"Perhaps some day the nation's economic picture will improve and people from impovershed communities will not feel the need to commit capitol crimes like armed robbery". You think that is the reason these thugs commit robberies, burgalries and murders?

Big Steve May 6, 2013 12:49 pm (Pacific time)

I agree, we should leave color out of this whenever it is possible. I am proud to say I am color blind and raise my family the same. I also agree the government should zip it. They created all this discrimination with entitlements that are not limited to any color. Oddly more white than any other...yes that is right.. just read the government statistics on welfare etc. I also have a CCW permit and hope I never have to use it, but I will if needed!

Beth April 12, 2013 9:10 am (Pacific time)

It seems to me that few White are very tolerant of armed robbers regardless of race. Show me a story of a pair of white parents whining about their bundle of joy being shot while in the process of committing an armed robbery... It doesn't happen. It is a cultural thing that the African community would do well to put behind them. Parents that raise a bad kid should, in most cases, be ignored - unless it can be demonstrated that they either tolerated or supported their kid's bad behavior in which case they should be mocked and jeered.

PPDArizona April 19, 2012 8:50 pm (Pacific time)

deshawn you sound like you're the racists....you give blacks a bad name. I see you screaming racists remarks because your bros got stupid and you can't fix stupid....but wait the old Jarhead did fix it. I'm sure your bros and you carrying your guns are doing it illegally. Show your CCW if you have one. You criminals hate it when a law abiding citizen carry don't you??? mine is always chambered so I don't need to chamber a round if I need to pull mine for self defense....hope you changed your ways and got a real job so you don't end up running into a redneck like your bros!!!

Rocky April 4, 2012 2:39 pm (Pacific time)

Things like this would not be so common if the legislators would balance their comments a little more like Americans,and not so much like people trying to get even for a problem they are responsible for helping to exist. Everyone that excites the Color side, whether Black, White or Brown, justs put fuel on the fire. Legislators and the Pres.. should just zip it up. There is enough to think about that will move or Country forward without setting it back 50 years with their Political B.S.. If it is a Racial War they want, they are on the right track. Watch out 2015, here it comes.

Mark April 2, 2012 6:02 pm (Pacific time)

I just note that some people who said derogatory things about the perpetrators of this crime you say would not make those statements if the perpetrators were white. Race baiting is when you attribute a statement the pretense of racism when nothing in the statement involved race whatsoever. You make Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson proud sir. Yes, there are people who are racist within every race. But to broad brush and assume that anyone who speaks derogatorily about these two men by saying that if they had been white these people would not speak negatively about them as they do is inciting racism when there is none to be proven. I have known many people of every race throughout my life and I have known great men and delinquents in every race without any majority being of one or another, the color of the skin that a man wears does not in any way define his character or the intent behind his derision of these two men unless explicitly stated. (I have not read back in the comments to see if these specific individuals spoke of race earlier and if so, simply disregard this comment)

Roman February 28, 2012 3:19 pm (Pacific time)

Since 2008, concealed weapon permits have been issued by the tens of thousands (A huge increase) People are fed up with violent crime and our "joke" of a criminal justice system. Good job Mr. Lovell.

Paul February 22, 2012 6:08 pm (Pacific time)

This punks thought their guns, were the only weapons in the restaraunt. The picked on a clerk and an old man. The family may be sad for losing love ones, but what position would they be taking if they had killed the two victims? Would they say their little boys were only commiting a felony because they were disadvantaged? How about kicking their little stealing asses, and make them join the military. Perhaps they would be alive now.

Anonymous February 21, 2012 9:30 am (Pacific time)

“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of atavistics and tyrants.”
— Thomas Jeffords

Mr. Gordon February 21, 2012 4:18 am (Pacific time)

So, I see "RICO" is the new editor on this story.

What of the other miscreant, Frederick Gadson of Fort Lauderdale, how about a follow-up on this fellow felon?

Editor: Negative, the person using the name RICO had their comment deleted.

OPBuzz February 20, 2012 1:29 pm (Pacific time)

Editor - Why is it that less than 60 years ago, Black people were forced to serve in separate units in the military?

General Frank Peterson was flying in an intergrated squadron during the Korean War. A black officer in the USMC.

Editor: The military was desegregated in 1947, so it is 65 years, not 60. And believe me, there were heroes of all colors prior to that, but really, when my dad was alive and in his prime, during WWII, all Blacks were in segregated units. Of course look at the west coast Japanese, rounded up like animals, they lost all of their property, their money, and their sons served with the 442nd and were among if not the, top decorated unit in the war, their casualties were horrendous. I was really lucky when I was heading to Iraq to cover the war, in the San Francisco airport, and the 442nd of today was there, I believe they might be a California Guard or Reserve unit, and they were deploying, very aware of their unit's history.

A great example of racism in WWII is conveyed i our article about the Montford Point Marines, the Black Marines of WWII who did serve at Iwo Jima and most of the other epic battles. Our version of the article was more revealing than the version picked up by Leatherneck Magazine. (Salute to the Montford Point Marines: Loyalty, Honor and Courage in the Face of RacismCoral Anika Theill Salem-News.com)

Let's talk about the First World War which I have studied for years. The Americans told the French that in order for U.S. forces to aid France, the French had to segregate their troops! This led to tremendous resentment because the French were not prejudice at the start of the last century. Then the '20's in Paris was thousands of American vets bringing their wives to see where they fought, and these guys forced the French restaurants for example, again, to segregate Blacks. And this is why Americans are treated like shit in Paris, though most Parisians don't probably know the history, they know what was imparted to them in their families and culture. I have spent much time studying the life of Eugene Bullard, the only Black pilot of WWI and he was American, but only allowed to fly for the French, even after the war. When he died in the early 60's in NY the French military came across and gave him the highest honor funeral that they provide, and Americans didn't even know what was going on, or who he was, because he was Black and Americans didn't care about him. Yes, this is a country with a tremendous, lingering history of violent racism. It is sadly, right here. (Book Review: Eugene Bullard - Black Expatriate in Jazz-Age Paris Book Review by Tim King Salem-News.com)

Trust me I can go on, I can talk about growing up in LA in the 70's, in gangland, and how crappy it was to be white because there was only a handful of us, I responded to 'white boy' more quickly than to my own name. But I didn't grow up to be a bigot, I got out of Dodge so to speak, and now I live in a place where racism is rife and unaddressed in our local prisons, This has been a focal point for much of my work over the last couple of years.

So where does this leave us? In my opinion we must always fight what is wrong, we must also acknowledge what we know to be right, and self-defense falls into this category. The sharp reactions stated by myself here are mostly from comments that were so blatantly racist that they were not even approved.

Rico February 20, 2012 10:41 am (Pacific time)

Editor: All of you who write racist comments here, you aren't men. You are the most low IQ bastards that ever bother us, and you make me, the News Editor of Salem-News.com, very determined to counter and fight each of you and I will, because we have tens of thousands of followers and you have nothing, absolutely nothing, except a bitter hatred toward people and things that scare you, never I have I seen so many cowardly comments. Not one of you is better than the guy in this story who was shot, in fact you are worse, and you don't have a damned thing to say on this man's behalf because he was simply an American defending himself, he would have taken you idiots out just the same way.

Kingpin February 20, 2012 7:48 am (Pacific time)

Deshawn-you run your mouth to much, quit being an internet tough guy no one cares. As far as your brother, he reaped what he sowed and suffered the ultimate consequence. White/Black/Asian/Hispanic it doesn't matter there are thugs of all types in this world and if they so choose to go this route they will face a person at some point who will refuse to be a victim and defend their life if it is so threatened. Lovell acted in the right(castle doctrine/stand your ground laws) and the consequences would not have changed either if the perps were of another race so let's get off that train. Let it be know that all the thugs and robbers in the world beware the law abiding citizens will not be sheep to the slaugther and we will not be easy targets.

JoeAllen February 19, 2012 7:16 pm (Pacific time)

I find it disgusting that the EDITOR has tried to make excuses for the two vicious criminals who threatened the lives of innocent, hard-working people.

Editor: I think I've been clear about this, the gentleman in this story had every right to defend himself, however i suspect that if the attackers were white, that you would not spend your time complaining over the story.

Why, Mr. EDITOR, have MILLIONS of people of color been risking their lives to get to America, if America is such a RACIST country ... ??? Many illegal immigrants have tried to cross the hot desert at our border with Mexico. Many orientals have stuffed themselves into the belly of old ships for two weeks without toilet facilities. Why ??? Because they want to get to America, the LAND OF OPPORTUNITY ... !!!!

Editor: Why Mr. Allen, do I have to spend so much time working to battle racism right here in my state of Oregon? Why is it that less than 60 years ago, Black people were forced to serve in separate units in the military? What adversity have you had to endure in your life simply over the color of your skin? The spirit of racism is at the core of the attack that destroyed Iraq, you think there weren't racist overtones in that decision? I can go on and on, unless you are of color, or a journalist trying to work with many people who have suffered injustice over racism, your information is limited.

Mr. EDITOR, we Americans offer free education to every child; we offer welfare programs to the poor. People born in the USA have a great blessing, NOT a punishment ... !!!!!!

Editor: Those are all good points about America, now let's keep our eye on things and make it better.

Anonymous February 19, 2012 5:48 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Editor, at no point did this person mention color, so are you racist for bringing it up? "He should not have taken the law in his hands," He didn't, he defended himself within his rights under the law. To the editor and others who want to point out the emotional and "human" side. Your opinion on what is correct and a sad ending for the family of the perps. It is your opinion. It is not sad. It is life and choice. They made a bad choice and ran into someone who exercised one of the highest orders of humanity - survival. The perps created the the situation for their families. It is just a fact. Those that look at this from a purely analytical perspective void of emotion are not wrong. I am tired of those who do look at situations like this from an emotional perspective saying those who look at it analytically are uncaring, barbaric, uncivilized. If we don't find approach such issues as crime analytically we will continue to decline into a less civilized society.

Editor: I think that is pure BS, you can't declare this is not sad, you're unqualified unless you are related to one of the parties. This big 'rah rah' party you are having here is over the suspect being black, you betray your own character.

Editor: Your entire point is emotional, only I don't hold you out to dry for that, this is about near-tragedy for one family, and real tragedy for another. Now, as for what comments you do and don't see, there have been twice the number you see here, posted. However they are so over the top with racism, just reeking and stinking with it, that they get tossed. So don't assume too much. I was a Marine by the way, I am very glad this man was not taken out by a pair of thugs, and that is what those guys were being at that time, however there is more to the picture and personally the race is insignificant to me, it isn't however for most of the comments left here.

Eric February 19, 2012 5:46 pm (Pacific time)

If you point a gun at me with intent, I'll shoot back

PackerFan February 17, 2012 2:30 pm (Pacific time)

{Edited previous statement - Please replace if possible} I just came across this story and was amazed the comment thread is still going after almost 4 years! I truly feel sorry for the Lovell family for having to live with this decision but it far better than living with the memory of losing Mr. Lovell to another senseless crime. There is no shame in defending yourself or others – that is one of the founding principles of this great country. I feel for the family of these two punks and can somewhat understand why they feel they have to hide their shame with bravado, but that does not excuse them from their lack of parental responsibilities. “kids will be kids” is no excuse for allowing these deviants to think it is ok to rob anyone simply because of their circumstance. There are many people in the exact same or even worse situation that do not turn to crime. These two idiots made the decision to make some easy money rather than doing ANYTHING honest to earn it and paid the price. I am just glad we live in a country where citizens are allowed (in most states anyway) to stand up to vermin like these and be able to defend themselves. This is not "taking the law into your own hands" - it is self-preservation, pure and simple. Taking a life is never easy but is much better than losing your own life over someone else’s stupidity. PS: Deshawn - you are a punk-ass bitch and desperately in need of therapy!! BUT - I am truly sorry for your loss. I pray you will find comfort in God rather than revenge.

David S. February 17, 2012 11:15 am (Pacific time)

The parents are the ones to blame here. If you had raised you punks better, they would not have done what they did. Didn't you teach them the respect for the law. Apparently not.
I would have done the samething that Mr. Lowell and Mr.Carl did.
For Mr.Ivory Jones comment.
Are you kidding me, shooting them down. Give me a break. Mr. Jones, what would you have done if you had been in the same situation as Mr.Lowell and Mr.Carl?

Editor: This is a racist country with a history of inequity for blacks, it isn't an excuse, it is a fact. Yes, it is the responsibility of the parents, but some kids won't do what they are told. .

Analytical February 17, 2012 10:54 am (Pacific time)

"He should not have taken the law in his hands," He didn't, he defended himself within his rights under the law. To the editor and others who want to point out the emotional and "human" side. Your opinion on what is correct and a sad ending for the family of the perps. It is your opinion. It is not sad. It is life and choice. They made a bad choice and ran into someone who exercised one of the highest orders of humanity - survival. The perps created the the situation for their families. It is just a fact. Those that look at this from a purely analytical perspective void of emotion are not wrong. I am tired of those who do look at situations like this from an emotional perspective saying those who look at it analytically are uncaring, barbaric, uncivilized. If we don't find approach such issues as crime analytically we will continue to decline into a less civilized society.

Editor: I think that is pure BS, you can't declare this is not sad, you're unqualified unless you are related to one of the parties. This big 'rah rah' party you are having here is over the suspect being black, you betray your own character.

Rational February 17, 2012 10:17 am (Pacific time)

The bleeding heart, emotional, illogical stance of the editor and some others is fine, but remember that is your opinion and it does not make you smarter or superior to those who approach the issue logically and rationally. The perpetrators are the ones that caused the pain and suffering of their families, not the person defending his life by stopping the threat. It is very simple, if the thugs wouldn't have been in the middle of committing a crime, they would still be alive today. People have choices, they made a choice, it cost one their life. It is time we stop trying to blame others and vilanizing those rightfully defending themselves. If you do not like that we have the choice to use deadly force to defend yourself, great, don't and see how it works out for you. Leave those that choose to do so alone.

Anonymous February 8, 2012 3:09 pm (Pacific time)

Enter ye at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13,14)

Jorge De La Cerva December 30, 2011 10:18 am (Pacific time)

Death and killing is very serious and not to be taken lightly and a family member will always feel remorse for a loved one, regardless – so I can understand the parents and other family member's feelings, BUT this could have easily gone the other way (as they were equally armed themselves). The robbers could have just left the store with the money they had in hand but instead they made a choice and now live (or die) as a result of that choice. I don’t fault the ex-Marine for his actions. We all have a God given right to defend our lives. Finally as a parent I pray I never have to go through something like this and I know I would grieve for my child, regardless. I also pray that IF I were I faced with a similar situation, that after learning the facts I would have the strength and courage to accept that my child (and at 21 and 22 years of age - an adult) made a choice that threatened the life of another and now as an adult has to pay the price of having made that choice.

USAF (Ret) Texas July 12, 2011 8:12 am (Pacific time)

People who live in these states know the law. You use a gun; you face the chances of the victim having one too. To Dawshan: You committed a crime when you threatened this man's life. Remember that if you act on it because now you have shown premeditation. That makes it a Capital Crime.

Gary May 25, 2011 4:37 am (Pacific time)

Just Like ignorant people to think that their little babies were NOT in the wrong. Blame someone else is the story of people who lose someone to this type of incident. They shouldn't have been robbing anyone, and if you're looking for someone to blame, blame yourself for not raising your kids properly. They got what they deserved. US ARMY Soldier serving in Afghanistan.

jason hanna May 14, 2011 6:58 am (Pacific time)

FYI. If you come out against a Marine with intent to do harm, remember this; YOU MESS WITH ONE, YOU MESS WITH THEM ALL. Don't F*ck with a Marine unless you bring enough for the rest of us.

Former Marine May 13, 2011 12:27 pm (Pacific time)

Semper Fi. Ding Dong, the Gang Banger is dead. Another chump of the streets.

deshawn May 10, 2011 9:22 am (Pacific time)

all you racist white pieces of shit can burn in hell that was my brother and a very loving person everyone makes f*ckd up decisions in life and none of you pussies have the authority to judge anyone so fuk off and keep your comments to yourself any problems come find i have more i would like to say face to face...... and that marine is going to get his its jus time!!! LAUGH ON JUST WAIT!!!!!!!!!

Editor: Deshawn, I understand you are pissed off but don't threaten people, just make your point and represent your family without going so far, please, thanks.

Joe C April 16, 2011 10:21 am (Pacific time)

Great story, except for the last time. Stupid thugs like these do nor rob because they are poor or due to the economy. If you noticed, robberies have actually declined with the bad economy. They are just criminals. Good riddance.

GI Joe April 12, 2011 5:33 pm (Pacific time)

These two criminals should have been shot dead long ago.This was not their first violent crime

Editor: What a shitty thing to say. He who is without sin throw the first stone, well where is it GI Joe? You sound like a stinking bigot and I doubt you would say the same if the perps in this crime were white, right?

Erik-US Army Cavalry/NRA instructor April 1, 2011 5:08 am (Pacific time)

I hope the government is able to do 2 things: 1. Enact a nationwide right to carry law, as it stands now, my permit lets me carry in 30 states; not surprisingly, most of the most dangerous places are not on that list. 2. Target schools in high crime districts and teach stories like this, emphasizing that not only is this behavior wrong, but it will likely get you killed. Good shooting, Marine.

Dan March 15, 2011 9:43 am (Pacific time)

The article mentions the grandparents. I wonder where are the assailant's parents? Maybe that's why the POS committed the robbery, his parents are also POS! Way to go LOVELL!

bill March 5, 2011 2:22 pm (Pacific time)

DESHAWN- You should have been with them and died with your "bro" you ignorant scum!

Richard Hudgins March 2, 2011 8:09 pm (Pacific time)

PRAISE THE LORD FOR THE MARINE WHO SHOT THE PUNKS.

Anne February 23, 2011 2:56 pm (Pacific time)

Here is one "totally ignorant liberal" who says good for Mr. Lovell! My politics might be liberal, but I served in the USAF, and sleep with a loaded .38 by my bed. For the past 23 years I have been a probation and parole officer, and I know there are scary antisocial people roaming our streets. It's unfortunate a person is dead, but as so many have pointed out, life is about choices, and these 2 men made very wrong decisions and have suffered the natural consequences.

JARHEAD! February 21, 2011 2:42 pm (Pacific time)

If the tables were tuned, and someone was attempting to rob Mr. Arrindell, and Mr. Gadson (and I use the term MR. very lightly) and they inturn shot and killed their robber, these families would be rejoicing over the fact that they had servived. YOU LIVE BY THE SWORD... YOU DEI BY THE SWORD!!!! God Bless Mr. Lovell for putting and end to these two thugs rein of terror. There is know telling how many times these two thugs have gotten away with this very same thing. Now, maybe the other thug wannabe's in these families will think (if that's possible) before they do something STUPID like try and rob a Marine, or any one else with a license to carry, and knowledge to use it!!!! Just remember "Gun Control is HITTING where you aim!" THUGS and THUG wannabes beware!!!

Jsmith February 18, 2011 4:49 am (Pacific time)

he was right to shoot those useless criminals. I'm only sad he didn't kill them both. He needs to spend more time at the range!

TobyTX February 12, 2011 6:49 am (Pacific time)

Just as the Isrelits could not enter into the promised land because of their slave mentality after 40 years of being given everything so goes here. I was really please to read the comment by Toni Wyke a young black female who obviously does not have a slave mentality she has learned not to expect anything from anyone but go out and earn it for herself. the problem here is the parents continued to instill the slave mentality into their childern even after over 200 years. They are not slaves their grandparents were not slaves so stop acting like it. NO ONE OWES YOU ANYTHING! Get out and earn what you want. Stop and ask yourself why this country has so many illegal immigrants. It's because despite our faults we are the best country in the world. When those with the slave mentality (Not just the Blacks)wake up and realize that they will stop calling themselves African Americans and start calling themselves AMERICANS. No one else in America calls themselves anything other than AMERICANS. IT IS ALL ABOUT CHOICE. YOUR CHOOSE HOW YOU WNAT TO LIVE AND CHOOSE THINGS THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. THESE TWO GUYS HAD THE MENTALITY THAT EVERYONE ELSE OWED THEM SOMETHING AND TRIED TO TAKE IT. NO ONE OWED THEM A THING.

Charlie December 17, 2010 5:25 pm (Pacific time)

Pulling a gun on someno means that there is an intent to kill them...or you wouldnt need the damn gun in the first place. If someone is pointing a gun ant me then Im fully justified in using similar force to neutralize the threat...THose dirtbags got what they deserved and they weren't "gunned down"...the victim was defending himself and the lives of others....We are now in a much better place without scum like Gadsen and Ammindell walking the face of the earth....28 years of law enforcemnt dealing with scum like they are tells me that,,,

Thomas Weeks December 13, 2010 2:45 pm (Pacific time)

Life's about choices. We live or die based on the choices we make.

Thomas Weeks December 13, 2010 2:42 pm (Pacific time)

Life about choices. We iive or die based on the choices we make.

Walter Mitchell December 10, 2010 8:38 am (Pacific time)

I hope that John Lovell will be able to mentally survive. I don't argue with him at all. If I am similarly attacked I hope that I will be able to physically survive. The mental is the hard part. I wish him well. Yes, my heart does go out to all the victims, their friends and families. Also, best wishes to all who read this.

Rippley December 9, 2010 1:28 pm (Pacific time)

MARINES!!!!!!!!!!! What is your profession???? UHH UHH UHHH.... Mess with the best DIE LIKE THE REST

John Striegel November 23, 2010 7:29 pm (Pacific time)

i WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME. AMEN MR LOVELL!!!

Scott in TX November 23, 2010 11:03 am (Pacific time)

Obviously it wasn't those poor innocents' fault....so their parents need to be jailed. After all, they instilled the values that were demonstrated in this incident.

Thunderchild August 5, 2010 4:51 am (Pacific time)

I have read the story and the comments here. Let me give you my idea of the situation as an African American since this has come up from time to time... Hurray for Mr. Lovett!! I am sick and tired of law breakers. Yes people, there are those out there that will kill you just to take what you have! Even if it is just the $2.00 you may have in your pocket. I am all about law abiding citizens having the right to own weapons for not just self protection, but for self preservation. Times are getting hard and we have to have the ability to protect ourselves at ALL costs. I live in a state that is pretty much anti-gun ownership. When I get to retirement age you better bet I will be moving to a gun friendly state. Thank you Mr. Lovell for opening more eyes to the problems that unfortunately more of us are going to face due to these rougher times.

kalifornia June 14, 2010 5:05 pm (Pacific time)

i say throw the family in jail to for being stupid in the media,if some one points a gun at me i will shoot them too.

RM June 14, 2010 10:10 am (Pacific time)

Proof that a well armed society is a polite society.

USAF (ret) June 14, 2010 1:10 am (Pacific time)

A wise sage once said "If someone tries to kill you, you try to kill them right back!" HUA Mr. Lovell

Red Ruffansore May 14, 2010 3:27 pm (Pacific time)

I'm a sucker for a happy ending. A word to the families, don't raise dirtballs and you won't have to bury them 22 years later.

Bud May 4, 2010 11:06 am (Pacific time)

The shame of all this bull---- is that a great number of totally ignorant liberal people in the U.S. will side with these dregs of society. We have catered to the lowest common denominator more have BECOME the lowest common denominator.

Badger May 3, 2010 10:07 pm (Pacific time)

In fear for his life? I doubt it. Convinced they were about to take his life...much more likely. I think there is likely very little he fears and punks with a death wish certainly aren't in that category. They paid their money and took their chances. They lost. Their choice. Semper Fi

Manuel A. May 3, 2010 4:53 pm (Pacific time)

I remember my old recon Sgt once told me that kids are like dogs, they behave only as well as they are taught, or trained to behave. Maybe if the parents of these young thugs had instilled better vaules and standards into their children, they would never have picked up a gun to get money. I don't buy the we was hungry tales because they didn't come to subway to steal sandwiches. This incident was tragic for both the victims as well as the criminals. I've been in the military and had to do what one has to do to survive, and I don't believe that the retired marine enjoyed for one moment what he ended up having to do to survive. I believe if he were trigger happy, they would have been shot at point blank right away and they would both have been dead right away.

Dave April 30, 2010 12:53 pm (Pacific time)

The only problem with this story is calling them "suspects." They weren't apprehended away from the scene of the crime based on evidence they left behind... they were stopped in the process of committing the crime. They weren't "suspects," they were "armed robbers."

Harold, just plain Harold April 29, 2010 10:52 am (Pacific time)

A similar situation happened in Greenville SC Tuesday, the 27th. Black guy holds up Dollar General Store, and kills white customer. Thank goodness, they did catch him

Dale T April 22, 2010 2:39 pm (Pacific time)

I subscribe to the activist meaning of the double-entendre bumper sticker "When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns." And in a world with only the outlaws packing, who's in charge? That's a frightening scenario! These pukes use guns to intimidate others; if the possibility exists that their "prey" might have an equalizer, they may be a little less anxious about the confrontation. Here in California, the laws aren't much of a deterrent. If you commit a capital crime and end up on "death" row (really a joke!), multiple appeals are automatic, and criminals have literally died of old age waiting for execution. Big deal. Mr. Lovell did society a favor by carrying out trial, conviction, and immediate punishment. If this sort of thing happened more frequently, I firmly believe the crime rate would decrease dramatically, either from the miscreants actually thinking about the possible consequences, or simple attrition. Either way, society benefits. The added bonus is that we don't have to sit through a years-long trial listening to excuses why these pukes grew up wrong. They did; they lost; good riddance.

Melvin Miler April 12, 2010 10:58 am (Pacific time)

I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate. I carry a gun because unarmed and facing two armed thugs, I am inadequate. Check this out for further information: http://www.peak.org/jmw/carry

Anonymous February 14, 2010 5:26 pm (Pacific time)

I started trading trading forex looking to make easy money, thinking i was going get rich quick. i have mostly lost money in the market. but i am glad that i never i had the idea to walk into a subway with a gun. because if i had i would either be lock up or dead like Donicio.

TugboatPhil February 5, 2010 7:31 am (Pacific time)

Semper Fi! I can only disagree with the first sentence of the post. Mr. Lovell is no FORMER Warrior. Looks like he's still got it!

Rich January 23, 2010 8:11 am (Pacific time)

For every action, there's a reaction...remember that next time you do something stupid. This guy is a hero, he's removed to threats to society from ever doing this again...at least one of them permanently...these parents can cry all they want, but they need to realize they've raised criminals...nice job!! Go cry to someone who cares...like the other parents in your neighborhood that are raising the same threats to society. Just remember, they had a choice before they chose to break the law...and it was a costly one wasn't it?? You can see the overwhelming majority of the people posting on here don't sympathize too much on the side of the criminals.

Navy Doc January 5, 2010 12:06 am (Pacific time)

This former marine didn't take the law into his own hands: He defended himself and others. I can't help but note that he didn't fire until they started moving them into the back room. Mr. Lovell didn;t take action when they robbed the store and him. He took action when he felt they were going to kill him. There is a good chance they were going to do just that. While it's regrettable that the bad guy dies, it's more regrettable when a good guy dies-which could have happened here. THEN what would have our poor misguided one's family said when he was arrested for capital murder? "He's misunderstood"? BS!!! Someone was most likely going to die that night-the right one did!

JTHunter December 26, 2009 8:06 pm (Pacific time)

This story arrived just after Christmas, 2009. To verify the story, I followed the link to here. Imagine my surprise to find that this goes back to early this summer! As so many of the other posters have pointed out, while it is tragic that the young man died, HE DID SO WHILE COMMITTING A VIOLENT FELONY!! The parent(s) bear the brunt of responsibility for THEIR FAILURE to raise their child with the knowledge of what is right and wrong and what is "acceptable behavior"! THREE CHEERS for Mr. Lovell!! Thinks of the COST he saved the State of Florida from having to hunt these two thugs down and prosecute them!

M. Hays USMC 1984-1988 December 21, 2009 11:56 am (Pacific time)

This story should simply end with John Lovell receiving a Medal for bravery. If this upsets the local criminal population and their families, so be it. Marines are trained to kill the enemy. Donicio Arrindell was an enemy of all peace loving citizens of Plantation, Florida. In America our citizens still have rights. I don't suggest anybody attempt to take the 2nd Amendment away from any of us who whore a uniform to protect that right.

Editor: Semper Fi Brother.

Bay Area Patriot December 14, 2009 3:39 pm (Pacific time)

This goes to show that the government does not give a crap about law abiding citizens. What possible reason could you want to take away someone's gun when these stories prove that they save lives in law abiding citizen's hands? Every law abiding citizen that is trained should have a concealed permit. I worked in McDonalds for minimum wage while I put myself through school, only to be robbed at gun point by a Cripp. I have 8 stiches in my head. I carried a 380 for the next year and a half. What gives thses criminals and their families the right to complain about anything? They had no issue using a gun, then be prepared to die by it.

Toni Wyke December 13, 2009 8:32 pm (Pacific time)

Fredrick Gadson better pray that they don't charge him with the death of his partner for going with him to commit a crime. Someone died. They want to blame someone, blame the idiot that was with him. And I am a black female. Enough is enough. I'm ashamed they were black. Quit blaming others for your shortcomings with your kids.

Toni Wyke December 13, 2009 7:24 pm (Pacific time)

I don't hate having to say this, people work to hard for their money, and will defend it just as hard. If you don't want your children killed in the streets like dogs, then raise them with some sense and not like thugs. It's the parents fault their child got killed, blame yourself, you should have raised them better and made sure they went to school for an education, but you were too busy and this is the end result. Oh well, another one bites the dust!!!!!!!

Leslie October 19, 2009 2:06 pm (Pacific time)

I answer to God not jah, and go Marines! woohoo!

Swiggy October 16, 2009 9:28 pm (Pacific time)

Just got the story in my e-mail, googled and found this article. Read this article, and gave a synopsis to my wife. She said that Mr. Lovell did the right thing. Then I mentioned to her that the family was crying out racism. She looked up at me and asked, "You mean those crooks were black?" She was sincere in asking this. What does that tell me? The only racism she projected was imagining the criminals to be the same race as she is.

Sure, there is racism running rampant in this country, but, amazingly, the folks I've seen that cry it the most are actually the worst case of racist scum that ever walked.

On another note, I have had a lot of dealings with former convicts when I was growing up. Not the best of role models, to be certain, but I was lucky. I was raised that being in prison was to be avoided, and to avoid it, the best thing to do was obey the law. Yeah, we were poor. So poor we received care packages from developing African Nations! (insert rimshot) I'm still too damn close to the poverty line due to disability, but by gum, I EARNED everything I have through hard work. I could have become a master burgler, or bank robber or any other assorted low-life illegal professions, but instead, chose to support myself by doing work that I didn't have to worry about being arrested. I even figured out how, after workplace drug testing came into play, to beat the test, and it ticked off the testers: I just didn't do drugs.

Unfortunately, too many thugs today lack the one thing that motivates my own work ethic: Taking pride in oneself.

Jason September 16, 2009 6:35 am (Pacific time)

The victim's family is overreacting. Their kid(s) pulled a gun on someone. Live by the sword, Die by the sword. Perhaps you should have raised him better.

Eric September 7, 2009 1:40 am (Pacific time)

To Deshawn How is anything anyone has said racist. I think the term redneck IS a racist remark.

Eric September 7, 2009 1:41 am (Pacific time)

to Deshawn, Nothing anyone said was racist, untill you called Lovell a redneck.

deshawn north lauderdale August 31, 2009 8:07 am (Pacific time)

he was wrong but that old red neck shouldn't have shot my brother you all are racist pieces of crap and you all will have to answer to jah

Rob August 29, 2009 3:16 pm (Pacific time)

I'm going to sleep better knowing two more worthless thugs are out of commission. I worry a lot more about the innocent butterflies I hit on the highway with my truck than I do these two scumbags.

MongoDad August 27, 2009 8:23 am (Pacific time)

For once, the right person(s) got shot. The family of the armed robber should all be imprisoned for extreme ignorance and neglect. They killed their kid; the Marine didn't. If they had raised him right, he'd be alive and working or in school...or maybe, in the Marines. But they were too busy with their own appetites and desires to raise that kid properly so he died on the bathroom floor of a sandwich shop after stupidly trying to screw with a senior citizen. I carry too, and would do the exact same thing...and will if ever forced to do so. God bless John Lovell and all men/woemn who sacrifice and serve their country. The rest of you can go take a long walk off a short dock. Semper Fi.

Joe West August 24, 2009 4:49 pm (Pacific time)

Mess with the bull and you get the horns. I feel no sympathy for these little devils. Lucky they weren't in Texas or Oklahoma we reload and keep firing if they keep moving.

Tasercb August 10, 2009 10:13 pm (Pacific time)

Why is it that the family always cry’s fowl? As for taken the law into his own hands, what you want him to wait for the police to arrive? Your kid was forcing him into the restroom at gunpoint I don’t think he going to help him with his zipper. Your kid is a scumbag and he got what he had coming to him!!

August 7, 2009 10:19 pm (Pacific time)

Editor: John Wayne huh? OK you figured me out Pilgrim and thanks for the compliment! I can't consider these kinds of criminals human in the first place so yes I dehumanized them. By doing what they do, to innocent citizens, these criminals have given up their membership cards to the human race. How can you reason with criminals that do not respect and "dehumanize" others? I've been witness to so much of this kind of violence and watched countless amounts of $$$ and programs and rehabilitation and talk thrown at this problem with little or no improvement. While we as a nation will continue to do what we do to try and salvage these criminals, we should also do something that is simple for them to understand. YOU the criminal are now taking more risk to do your crimes. Granny is armed now and would like to go to the store without worrying about being a victim. Again, nationwide right to carry concealed weapon laws are a large part of the solution. John Wayne thinks we should hold the law abiding citizens to the same expectations.....You do something stupid, violent and most important something that is not legal with your gun, then you too should give up your membership card....I realize that right to carry laws are not the one simple solution to this problem but these laws might help keep more of us alive, deter these crimes while the social engineers continue their attempts to figure out why many of the machines are broken and not responding to therapy, rehabilitation and weak jail sentences....and SEMPER FI to you "Editor". Don't you enjoy a healthy, spirited back and forth chat?....Thanks....John Wayne

Editor: I live for it Pilgrim, and my name by the way is Tim King. You take care and thanks!

A JOHN LOVELL FAN August 7, 2009 5:19 pm (Pacific time)

EDITOR: Of course it's sad for the families and I'm sorry they lost family members. But when your family members try to prey upon decent people and get killed/crippled doing so, then justice was served. I'm also sure John Lovell most likely does not think of this incident fondly. The world will be a better place because John is alive and 1 of these criminals is not. He (John) is still alive after a violent attack from 2 armed criminals who no doubt saw a potential EASY MARK in an old man at a sandwich shop late at night, with few witnesses. This is how predators plan strategy. How much public outrage would there be had these 2 been able to do whatever they had in mind for John Lovell??? How much outrage would these 2 criminal's families feel for an old man that could have been robbed, assaulted, raped, murdered by their children?? John would have become another "statistic". The issue at hand is the right for us citizens to be able to defend ourselves against violent crime with a weapon that makes the playing field a little more even. I'm not advocating random purposeless violence in the streets but even the most hardened criminal knowing that the person they are about to violate might have a Colt on them will hesitate in performing the crime. That thought alone will prevent many crimes from even getting started. An old saying comes to mind, "Nobody Ever Raped A 38". When legal concealed carry laws are in place nation-wide you will see the crime rates go down…......Deterrent, cause and effect..............

Editor: I know, that's all cool, there is clearly right and wrong and there is no doubt about it. FYI I was a Marine, I am very very pro-Marine but I am pro human also. It is one thing to say it, but you really dehumanized the situation in the earlier post and that is my point. I know you're pissed off and you have a right to be and nobody should hesitate in saying that John Lovell is an awesome and amazing man; a Marine's Marine. So John Wayne, I get your point OK? Just follow mine a little if you can and then we all grow from this but we don't fertilize the negativity as much. Thanks for your comments.

A JOHN LOVELL FAN August 7, 2009 10:42 am (Pacific time)

Maybe some additional good will come from this in the form of a decrease in crime in the area. Cause and effect sometimes works. Years back the violent and armed crime rate in Richmond, Va. was getting out of control. The mayor at the time came up with a brilliant tactic. The DA's and law enforcement were ordered to prosecute these violent crimes under Federal Law instead of local or state laws. The Federal Laws had more teeth with mandatory sentencing, longer jail terms for these poor misunderstood, go nite-nite hungry scum bags. The crime rate in Richmond went to almost nothing. The ACLU freaked out (predictably). Cause and effect. Nothing will totally eliminate crime, but at least one of these two "model citizens" is worm food and the other one hopefully ruined. It's like turning on the kitchen lights at night, seeing a Roach and killing it. You didn't get rid of ALL of the Roaches but the one you squashed will no longer be a problem. This story is mostly good news, 1 low life dead, 1 low life put out of commission and A REAL citizen in the form of a retired Marine is still in good health and living among us. That is all the good news. The BAD news is that we are paying for Fredrick Gadson's medical care and disability with our tax dollars. Anyway, SEMPER FI John Lovell and thank you. Two less Roaches to worry about....

Editor: I don't know John Lovell but I have a feeling that he would not be flattered by this. People are screwed up, that is a fact, but this is a sad ending for families whether the suspect deserved it or not.

California July 21, 2009 9:01 am (Pacific time)

You pull a gun and you get what you get!

Moose July 14, 2009 1:10 pm (Pacific time)

Anonymous, So you had to go to bed hungry? Who cares! If I could go back in time and give your mother some birth control, believe me I would. Someone needs to stop all these ignorant people that reproduce at will.

Moose July 14, 2009 1:06 pm (Pacific time)

These were not kids doing this crime, they were adults. They made their decision and they deserved to die. My permit should be here in a week, so better rob me before then!

browndrake2003@yahoo.com June 24, 2009 1:31 pm (Pacific time)

There are two naccuracies in the story. First, the Marine did not brandish his firearm. Brandishing is waving a firearm without firing. The Marine used his firearm with good effect. Second, the Marine's weapon was a .45 Automatic, not a 9mm.

Editor: As a former Marine, I apologize for any inaccuracy. Thanks for this information.

Traveler June 22, 2009 7:13 am (Pacific time)

Horrah, the good guy won this one. If you are a thug and want to prey on the innocent, be prepared to die like the scum you are. No excuses accepted. Hungry, no money, poor living conditions, BOO HOO!!

GUY June 14, 2009 4:20 pm (Pacific time)

Reminds me of Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino. Good job!

Prophecy June 12, 2009 2:22 pm (Pacific time)

Donicio And Fred were my two best friends since 9th grade in highschool.. We got involved in the wrong group of people... none of our parents were rich, Donicio's problem was that he always underestimated people and was hotheaded.. me and him stopped talking 8 months before this incident... always think what life would have been like if i could have talked him out of it.. and poor Fred charged with his murder according to a Florida statute! Imagine what losing your best friend to a Marine.. and than getting Charged with his murder because of some outdated law... Now thats an Injustice!

Anonymous June 9, 2009 4:15 pm (Pacific time)

"I GREW UP WITH BOTH FRED AND DONICIO, WE WERE ONLY TRYING TO MAKE IT IN LIFE NOT LOOK FOR THE EASY WAY IN LIFE.. I LOOK AT ALL THESE COMMENTS AND I SEE THAT THEY CAME FROM PEOPLE WHO NEVER HAD TO GO TO SLEEP HUNGRY OR WORRY ABOUT HAVING A ROOF OVER THERE HEADS!! NOW I WILL NEVER SAY THAT THEY WERE RIGHT, BUT REMEMBER THAT THIS IS AMERICA A CONTRY THAT WAS BUILT STEALING, MURDER, AND LIES SOMETIMES YOU GOT TO DO WHAT U GOT TO DO. IM SURE EVERY LAST ONE OF U HAS STOLEN SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE" I cant believe that you tried to give em that lame ass defense for justification, I came up from a poor family, Im as broke as the next guy I have been to iraq I have been shot at,nearly blown to pieces but i dont go around holding people up looking for a quick buck! as for sleeping hungry I assure you that you MASTER that art in the military while in the freezing cold! so DONT for a damned second start assuming that u have it worser than anyone! For every one of your gripes IM sure that I have 6 more to match!

TxMama June 3, 2009 8:37 am (Pacific time)

I guess this is a wake up call for all the people out there that think they can make a quick buck by robbing innocent citizens. You've been put on notice......"WE'RE MAD AS HELL AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!" If any of ya'll try to steal from my family or friends I hope you have said your goodbyes because the next time anyone sees you it will be in a body bag!!

Stolimon May 28, 2009 7:07 pm (Pacific time)

The humans that respond to a story like this have one thing in commmon,they believe in justice,but it begs the answer.What truly is the definition of JUSTICE,

Shootthebull May 28, 2009 6:25 am (Pacific time)

Anytime a human life is lost it is regrettable but there is always consequences for our actions which we have to accept. These men made a decision to threaten the life of this man and he did what was his God given right, defend him self! Where I live there is a high percentage of people that legally carry a weapon, and we don't have hardly any violent crime.

Gregory May 27, 2009 5:29 pm (Pacific time)

I GREW UP WITH BOTH FRED AND DONICIO, WE WERE ONLY TRYING TO MAKE IT IN LIFE NOT LOOK FOR THE EASY WAY IN LIFE.. I LOOK AT ALL THESE COMMENTS AND I SEE THAT THEY CAME FROM PEOPLE WHO NEVER HAD TO GO TO SLEEP HUNGRY OR WORRY ABOUT HAVING A ROOF OVER THERE HEADS!! NOW I WILL NEVER SAY THAT THEY WERE RIGHT, BUT REMEMBER THAT THIS IS AMERICA A CONTRY THAT WAS BUILT STEALING, MURDER, AND LIES SOMETIMES YOU GOT TO DO WHAT U GOT TO DO. IM SURE EVERY LAST ONE OF U HAS STOLEN SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE

Daryl May 27, 2009 4:33 pm (Pacific time)

This well exemplifies why we cannot let the Government take away our gun rights. Be aware that Big Brother keeps working to do such n6g75

Walton P. Taylor III May 26, 2009 11:53 am (Pacific time)

The trash are the bastards on Capitol Hill. Those bastards make the laws, but they don't have to live among the s&%t. They have guarded mansions. Guns upside the foreheads of the people who make us endure this shit will put a stop to it. But it's time to let these bastards know we won't support your bogus call to war against Iran. I want to see Israel go to war and get their asses kicked.

George Taylor May 24, 2009 1:20 pm (Pacific time)

I think every citizen should be able to carry a concealed weapon. If criminals knew they nearly everyone carried, they would be less inclined to steal and more inclined to get a freaking job.

x-Navy May 12, 2009 3:14 pm (Pacific time)

Anyone that commits a crime with a weapon specifically a gun should be intelligent enough to realize you're willing to put you life on the line, obviously these thugs didn't grasp that. I'm sure they have a long criminal history and personally I don't care about them or their family.

Carroll April 2, 2009 7:44 pm (Pacific time)

I teach concealed carry law to citizens in Colorado who are exercising their 2nd Amendment rights. As a police officer with over 35 years experience, I can tell you that Mr. Lovell is, indeed, a hero. He is the epitome of everyday, hard working, American citizens, who are in the majority. Criminals beware! The armed citizen will be your Waterloo! I assure you the police will arrive after the fact, not before, and seldom during. Defend yourselves, ladies and gentlemen. It is the very last thing a criminal expects. And, I might add, criminals know no racial bounds or limitations. The statistics mentioned earlier clearly tell us whom we might be victimized by, but don't be led astray. Criminals will always exist. They like what they do, and their ethnicity is not the problem. It's their lack of character.

Armed To The Teeth April 2, 2009 11:16 am (Pacific time)

If you try to rob a man/woman or commit a felonious crime against someone, you deserve to be shot and the shooter should be applauded for his vigilance and not held responsible for the criminals demise. They deserved what the got. However I do feel for the families loss, but if their child had been raised with better convictions in the first place, the child would not have been committing felonies.

Ray Chain January 12, 2009 5:42 am (Pacific time)

Mr. Lovell should receive an award, who knows how many people he saved from becoming future victims of these criminals.

JOE WHITE September 17, 2008 1:04 pm (Pacific time)

To the Editor: Why wasn't it about race? Evedently you need to review the FBI crime stats. Let me guess Affirmative Action Editor?

semperfiguy August 1, 2008 9:30 am (Pacific time)

What a beautiful story!! There is justice! These two no good thugs got what they deserved, and their families set the example for them. What wonderful parents!!

Ron July 31, 2008 5:39 pm (Pacific time)

Taking a life with a gun is a serious thing. Not to be taken lightly. You thugs out there are playing russian roulette when you rob people at gunpoint. There are many more future heros out there armed and ready to help you loose. Mr. Lovell is a hero in my book!

Richard Driscoll CWO-4 USMC (Ret) July 29, 2008 8:37 am (Pacific time)

In Oregon it takes on a meaning unto itself, as it is so hard to forget what happened to the decorated war hero, Marion Carl. Perhaps some day the nation's economic picture will improve and people from impovershed communities will not feel the need to commit capitol crimes like armed robbery. Tim, I just happened to see this story and can't help but respond. I don't buy into the idea that coming from an "impoverished community" justifies criminal behavior. Lot's of us came from poor families and we were taught that hard work and perseverence were the keys to moving beyond that. I know in Marine Corps boot camp they explained validity of excuses like that to you.

legends604 July 23, 2008 9:03 am (Pacific time)

I get so sick and tired of people defending thier little babies. Did the parents know where their kids were and what they were doing. How many other Subways or Arby's these kids have robbed and how many other customers have they taken to the bathroom and robbed and possibly beaten. What kind of parents are they. Maybe they should also be arrested, After all, they are the ones who raised them to be who they were.

Billy July 22, 2008 1:40 pm (Pacific time)

I love a happy ending.

Proud Marine Wife July 19, 2008 4:16 pm (Pacific time)

OOHRAH!! SEMPER FI, DO OR DIE!!! Thank heaven for MARINES!! My husband and I would have done the same thing, and not think twice about it. Break the law=suffer the consequences!

bxn July 13, 2008 2:34 pm (Pacific time)

maybe blacks should take responsability for their actions instead of play the race card when they don't get their way.they should not complain when they pay consequences for cimmitting a crime.good shooting marine!you are a hero!as for the family of the criminals it is you to blame for the behavior of the dead robber!it was your job to raise him properly you failed!

Editor to bxn: How exactly did the family play the race card? Your own ignorance bears out very clear here. The family did not make it a matter of race, you did. Why don't you make your suggestions to all people? Did you forget that white people commit more crimes on a daily basis than black people? What the hell should we do about "those whites" anyway? How does that feel? Quit making things racial that aren't. The family of the suspect who died is sad; it is tragic. It has not a damned thing to do with the color of anyone's skin, get it figured out!

FESTER July 7, 2008 9:32 pm (Pacific time)

DONT DO THE CRIME IF YA DONT LIKE A BULLET ! WHO'S NEXT LOL

Steve July 7, 2008 2:13 pm (Pacific time)

This story had a good ending. This man is a HERO who saved lives and took out the trash at the sametime

mawari July 6, 2008 10:09 pm (Pacific time)

This won't be the last we hear of Fredrick Gadson.....get some practice, John Lovell, you let one get away to try again next time..........

Shani July 6, 2008 8:59 pm (Pacific time)

Something tells me that photograph of the dead one, wasn't taken at the last family Christmas gathering. I seriously doubt the family is overly shocked at what's happened.

Kal El July 6, 2008 12:48 pm (Pacific time)

Riiiight, the marine is just sooo wrong. Uh, these 2 "Wondeful Yoots" barged in the store with A GUN, And ATTEMPTED TO ROB THE PLACE:But b/c a quick witted citizen did the right f'ng thing THEY ARE NOW DEAD, AND THE STORE IS SAFE.Wake the hell up America: Violent,predatory Cancers like this do this everyday!Now, someone explain to me WHY the hell not we defend ourselves from them? What, were these two just really nice guys? B*llshit.They were predatory criminals who would have killed for the money, and at the least, they were terrorizing these people at the shop.... I have NO f"ng Pity.I'd have done the same. You try to rob me, I F"NG KILL YOU.Their grandmother is a F"NG idiot: Where were their fathers?(yeah,right.) Yeah, such good kids,my ASS. They did not DESERVE TO DIE? Lady, look at these comments-----It seems to me that we are ALL FED UP W/VIOLENT PREDATORY APES LIKE THESE:And now some of us are fighting back.Good. woo haa!

Jake Boutwell July 6, 2008 12:37 pm (Pacific time)

Over 600,000 Americans were murdered between 1975-2005 as per government sourced data. Approximately 35+% of these murders remain unsolved. Blacks account for over 56% of murder convictions. When you factor in the unsolved murder rate (and suspect descriptions) with the conviction rate, blacks account for 68% (+/- 3%) of all murders between 1975-2005. In 2005 blacks were reported (reports are always lower than reality) in 37,000 rapes of white females. Black females reported rapes by white males at less than 100 during the same time period. Blacks account for 13% of the U.S. population. All this data is government sourced as compiled by law enforcement agencies across the country. This above (article) event happens many times on a daily level and it's getting worse. It really does not matter if one wants to label this as racist or not, it is what it is, and people should take steps from becoming a victim. The recent decision that overturned the ban on people being allowed to keep handguns in their homes in D.C. and elsewhere by a majority of our Supreme Court was simply an interpretation of the Founders intent for the 2nd Amendment and just common sense as per countless years of government based statistics (please read the majority's opinion for an excellent legal interpretation for their reasoning. It is written so lay people can understand and it totally usurps the opinions of many journalistic pundits). I hope that law abiding citizens take steps to protect themselves and realize how #4 activists judges nearly destroyed a significant part of our Bill of Rights. I would imagine that in the Fall, this will be a significant election issue, which it should be. Facts should never be withheld from the citizens, especially if it impacts their safety.

Matt Lovell July 5, 2008 1:29 pm (Pacific time)

Hi John! I'm glad that you were safe!! Thank heavens for weapons to protect ourselves!

NARELOWLIFE July 5, 2008 10:19 am (Pacific time)

Where ways this grandmammy at when her "Good boy" ways running around with a gun? ALl I can say is "He's a really good boy now." :)

Dave July 5, 2008 6:22 am (Pacific time)

John, You did the right thing. SEMPER FI

don July 5, 2008 12:51 am (Pacific time)

These animals knew the risk and took it. Fortunately they lost. Two less thugs in the world!

Anti-Climacus July 4, 2008 10:02 pm (Pacific time)

We have waited for judges and prosecutors to handle this for us for decades. They have allowed people like this guy (and his grandmother) to run rampant over the rest of us for too long. Would she be weeping if her grandson had shot Mr. Lovell in the bathroom? No, it would have been because of his "disadvantaged youth" in a courtroom. Now his youth is really disadvantaged. We are finally returning to a country where things are your own fault. These boys ran into traffic and got hit. Grandmothers used to tell their children that would happen, to help them avoid it.

Brian July 4, 2008 9:42 pm (Pacific time)

Not about race? FBI stats on race and crime disagree with your naive assessment Tim.

Tim King: What are you saying Brian? I took it as a matter of being illegal, not a certain race. So I guess all white people are bac because some commit crimes? I guess I am naive, I thought it was just bad choices. Some black people make good ones, some make bad ones. Only racists see it in other terms, and their lowered levels of intelligence render them unable to know any better. Perhaps none of it is anyone's fault?

ACG July 4, 2008 8:26 pm (Pacific time)

Hopefully, thanks to Mr. Lovell, young thugs everywhere might be considering career changes. Thank you to the U.S. Marines for their fine training. And thank you Mr. Lovell.

Bruce July 4, 2008 7:39 pm (Pacific time)

Hooo-ahhhh. Nice shooting, Marine. Your going to have to clean the weapon whether you shoot 3 bullets, or 9. Don't be so stingy next time!

SGT. SHLITZ July 4, 2008 6:06 pm (Pacific time)

Where did I mention the perps race?

Dude, the word "monkeys" is only going to be taken one way. I am glad for this Marine being able to survive the incident, but that is going to sit wrong with people man. If you somehow didn't mean that to be racist, then... good.

SGT. SHLITZ July 4, 2008 4:54 pm (Pacific time)

Editor: This STUPID racist comment will not be approved. Remember this is not about race; and all racists have significantly lower IQ's than non-racists. You are not welcome here.

Tim King

Egor Redcloak July 4, 2008 12:17 pm (Pacific time)

Well done Mr. Lovell. Young White americans need examples like this. Well done to the reporter for not taking the side of the criminals. Americans need to stand up to thieving scum like Mr.Lovell did.

Alucard July 4, 2008 1:18 pm (Pacific time)

Thank god. Another criminal goes to hell. Maybe his loving fambly should have did something about his career criminal behavior. I'm glad he is dead. The marine deserves a million dollar reward.

Jedi Knight July 4, 2008 12:51 pm (Pacific time)

If you try to rob a store at gunpoint, and then you happen to get shot and killed in the process - well, I'm sorry, but I guess life just isn't fair sometimes, is it?

crow July 4, 2008 11:30 am (Pacific time)

good for you, john lovell. i salute you and your service(s) to our country. semper fi

eric July 4, 2008 11:26 am (Pacific time)

Way to go! This is what needs to be done to scum like this.

Fork_T July 4, 2008 11:24 am (Pacific time)

He had every right to judge them when they had a gun in his presence and committing a crime with it. I hope more people have guns and more criminals get to experience their usage against them. I think more experiences like this and you'll see either less crime or criminals, either way a good thing.

mdk July 4, 2008 11:21 am (Pacific time)

SEMPER FI

Taylor July 4, 2008 9:40 am (Pacific time)

John was just "Takin' out the trash." Good going man...

Jay July 4, 2008 2:20 am (Pacific time)

Oh my God! Talk about STUPID mentality! To the dead mans family members: I too, have a concealed weapons permit. You point a gun at me...I WILL KILL YOU!

Kamall July 3, 2008 8:16 pm (Pacific time)

God bless that man, better these scum than some poor innocent folks.

Jimmy July 3, 2008 11:37 am (Pacific time)

Not sure what the victim's family is thinking. This guy has hero written all over him!

les lowen July 3, 2008 6:31 am (Pacific time)

good job John Lovell, two less dangerous thieves to worry about.

Dan July 3, 2008 5:59 am (Pacific time)

Hooray for Lovell!!

Symptomatic of our society today, the family of the perpetrator wants to blame the intended victim for not just handing over his money, property, or life.

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Family Of Robbery Suspect Blames Retired Marine for Fatal Shooting

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