A West Texas homeowner is facing a murder charge following a late-night home invasion that ended with a fatal shooting inside his residence.
Joel Adrian Florez, 43, is being held at the Howard County Detention Center after police say he shot and killed 36-year-old Phillip Samuel Lozano Jr. during an alleged break-in late Friday night. Officers responding to the scene found Lozano dead inside the home with multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators said Lozano had forced his way into the house and was armed at the time of the confrontation. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Despite Texas laws that generally allow homeowners to use deadly force in self-defense — including the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground statutes — authorities arrested Florez and charged him with murder. Officials have not released details explaining what evidence led them to believe the shooting may not have been legally justified.
It remains unclear whether Florez and Lozano knew each other prior to the incident. The case continues to be investigated as Florez remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings.
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