Tony Gorder

Brookings County State’s Attorney Clyde Calhoon will not file criminal charges against the resident who fatally shot 23-year-old Brad Odens on the early morning of April 9, according to the Associated Press.

Odens was shot and killed after forcibly entering the home of a 28-year-old man. The investigation indicated that Odens may have been confused as to his whereabouts and was warned by the resident that he was at the wrong address. Capt. Jeff Miller of the Brookings Police Department said to The Argus Leader they believed intoxication may have been a factor in Odens confusing the house – which was just two homes down from his own.

Calhoon said to the AP that the shooting was justified, and the home’s occupant feared for his life.

Students have mixed feelings on the handling of the situation by the resident.

“As a personal thing, I would never be that violent, but it’s hard to say without the circumstances,” said Johanna Beekman, a senior history major from Hutchinson, Minn. “Using a gun seems too extreme. I would have called 911.”

“It is extreme, but at the same time, it is your house to protect how you see fit,” said Brendan Stratton, a sophomore political science major from Rapid City, S.D.

Stratton did, however, believe the shooter should have been punished in some way.

“He should be charged, but not necessarily with murder,” said Stratton.

According to Steven Grives, associate professor of music and choir director, who knew Odens from Concert Choir, one thing students should take away from this tragedy is to “look out for each other.”