Marcus Green was a 17-year-old high school senior from Redlands, California, who died on September 17, 2014. The shooting occurred in the backyard of a neighbor’s house while Green was allegedly attempting to steal marijuana plants. A 34-year-old neighbor, Erlindo Rodriguez, confronted Green after seeing him on a surveillance system. Rodriguez’s wife said her husband acted in self-defense, claiming Green had pulled out a pair of scissors and was about to attack him; Rodriguez then opened fire, killing Green.

The case quickly divided the community. Some residents defended Rodriguez as protecting his family, while Green’s family and friends said the situation should not have escalated to lethal violence. Green’s mother, Jessie Gonzales, said her son was shot over marijuana plants and that Rodriguez could have detained him or called police. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with murder and held without bail as the investigation proceeded.

What details about the confrontation or the moments before it might help clarify whether lethal force was justified?