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Theodore Man Killed With His Own Gun

By Jamie Burch

Published: Fri, February 08, 2008 - 4:28 pm Last Updated: Fri, February 08, 2008 - 5:32 pm

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office says the 14 -year-old boy charged with killing 60-year-old Richard Land shot him with a gun he stole from Land's house.
Land was shot and killed January 15th in the front yard of his home on Westfield Road. An anonymous tip led to last night's arrest.
“After our detectives received a solid lead on a possible person of interest, it was through diligent work that our detectives were able to locate and interview numerous persons that had information leading to this arrest,” said Sheriff Sam Cochran.
Two days before the murder, detectives say the accused teenage killer broke into Land's home and stole electronics, jewelry and a. 38 revolver. When he came back for more on the 15th, detectives say the teenager ran into Land and shot him with that same .38 revolver.
“Frequently in law enforcement we see that teens who are violent offenders at an early age are oftentimes the most ruthless criminals in their later years – we’re glad we caught this one,” said Cochran.
District Attorney John Tyson Junior said he wants the boy to be tried as an adult.
The boy remains in juvenile detention at the Strickland Youth Center. His name won't be released unless a judge orders him to stand trial as an adult.
We'll have more on this story tonight on News 5 at 5:00 and 6:00.