SAINT DAVID — A homeowner who shot and killed a man he believed was breaking into his house in the small Cochise County town of Saint David will not face charges, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office announced Saturday.
The shooting happened Aug. 30 in a neighborhood in Saint David, just south of Benson, AZFamily reported. The man who died was identified as 67-year-old Daniel Elzy, who authorities said lived in the area.
According to the sheriff’s office, the homeowner was inside with his family, including two small children, when he heard a window break. He checked his home security system and saw someone standing outside. After moving into the main living area, he saw a shadow near a window that appeared to be someone trying to get in, and fired.
Benson police officers arrived first and found Elzy lying outside the window. He died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.
Investigators reviewed the case under Arizona’s “Castle Doctrine” and the state’s self-defense laws before consulting the county attorney’s office.
Sheriff Mark Dannels called the shooting “an unfortunate and tragic incident” and said, “Our job is not to reach a popular conclusion, but to reach the appropriate conclusion supported by facts and evidence.”
County Attorney Lori Zucco said the findings, forensic evidence and Arizona law on justified force showed charges “are not warranted.” With the review complete, the case is closed.
Sources: AZFamily. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Bureau of Land Management / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
