BRADENTON, FL – A Florida man shot and killed a convicted felon with a history of kidnapping after the suspect followed his wife home and advanced toward him in a threatening manner, authorities said. The shooting has been ruled justified self-defense.
The deadly confrontation unfolded on New Year’s Day when a woman was walking her dog in her Bradenton neighborhood. Nicholas Palomo, 36, approached her in what investigators described as an attempted abduction. The woman managed to escape and ran home to warn her husband.
When the husband went outside to confront the situation, Palomo began acting aggressively and moved toward him in a threatening way, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The homeowner then fired a single shot, striking Palomo in the chest.
Deputies arrived at the scene around 12:27 a.m. and found Palomo unresponsive. Despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A background check revealed Palomo had previously served prison time for kidnapping and other serious crimes. Before the attempted abduction, he had caused a disturbance at a nearby Circle K convenience store while appearing to be under the influence of drugs.
The State Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and determined the husband acted in lawful self-defense to protect himself and his wife from a known violent offender.
The names of the husband and wife have been withheld under Marsy’s Law, which protects the identities of crime victims in Florida.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly an ordinary evening can turn dangerous, and how a legal firearm in the hands of a responsible citizen can prevent tragedy.
I am thankful this was acknowledged as legitimate self-defense. In SOME states, the husband probably would have been convicted, particularly since the criminal had not physically entered the home. Even that might not have legally justified in some places that defend criminals over law-abiding citizens.
Congratulations to the husband for protecting his wife. Crazed criminals deserve nothing less. This is the beauty of the 2A, liberals need to take note of why normal people have that Right when needed. Liberals are the scourge to freedom!!