Man Shot and Killed in Brookings Overnight
Police say a man was shot and killed Thursday morning in Brookings when he tried to break into a home. Multimedia According to police, 23-year-old Bradley Joe Odens died at the Brookings hospital after being shot inside the home of a 28-year-old man shortly before 2 a.m. Police Captain Jeff Miller says Odens may have been confused as to where he was and continued to force his way into the home after being warned by the resident. Miller says Odens broke a window in a door as he was trying to get in. He says one shot was fired, hitting Odens in the chest. Miller says the two men lived two houses apart but did not know each other. No arrests have been made, and an investigation continues. Miller says it's too soon to determine if it was a justifiable shooting but that it doesn't appear that foul play was involved. Thanks to Perry Miller, News Director, Brookings Radio Picture of Brad Odens courtesy of the Argus Leader © 2009 KSFY Action News. All Rights Reserved. The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of KSFY.com. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited. Thursday, Oct 29 at 10:48 AM It happened the other way in my town... wrote ...I live in a college town where drinking is common. Last year a very nice kid got smashed out of his mind on his 21st b-day (hadn't drank much before) and stumbled into a nice old man's apt, got violent when asked to leave, and killed the old man. He left his bloody jeans at the scene and they found him passed out in a ditch. He didn't remember a thing, but the old man was still dead. When someone breaks into your home, prepare to defend yourself. It's not your fault they're breaking in. Monday, Apr 13 at 9:12 AM someone who cares wrote ...As a relative to the family member thats house was being broke into I am feeling there pain. People want to pass judgement on using a gun and why the cops weren't called right away. Well no ever thinks clearly when they are scared, doesn't give an ok to what happened. But if someone was banging at my door and were able to break in the door I think I would be scared enough to use a gun. You never know what is going through someones mind when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Sunday, Apr 12 at 2:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...Maybe we should just outlaw alcohol again. Then no one would try to break into the wrong house drunk anymore. Friday, Apr 10 at 7:56 PM friend of brad wrote ...Wow, it's still completely unreal that this happened. Brad is the "never would hurt a fly" kind of guy. Thats what's so horrible about the situation. All in all yes to everyone's comments about drinking, and guns, and Brad. The main thing is that since Brad was obviously having a really difficult time opening the door, didn't have "tools" for "breaking in" that a normal burglar probably would have, it just makes so much more sense to CALL the police, this all could have been avoided I think. Friday, Apr 10 at 6:13 PM Harrisburg friend wrote ...I can't imagine the motivation to shoot someone when you don't see a weapon, he is not trying to hit you etc. The news reports said that the homeowner told Brad he was in the wrong house. That tells me that the homeowner knew Brads intent was not to harm him but confusion about where he lived. At USD a man wandered into a girls apartment and passed out. She got some guy friends to haul him out. They ended up carrying back to his dorm room and dumping him into his own bed. We need to care! Friday, Apr 10 at 10:36 AM doesn't understand wrote ...You know what I keep by my night stand? A phone and a big dog at the foot of my bed. I don't think it's necessary to use lethal force when most of the time these people whether they are intoxicated and confused or are truly trying to break into your house will be scared off by other measures. Friday, Apr 10 at 9:09 AM anonymous wrote ...SO many comments, i feel the homeowner was in the right. he was just protecting his family & himself. I personally do not know all my neighbors, how many actually do? as for brookings being a college town, does this mean that that because it is a drunken college person they are harmless? i really dont think so. prayers to both families but to the homeowner..keep your head up & keep strong...you did THE RIGHT THING!!! dont let the negative comments get to you Thursday, Apr 9 at 11:27 PM Brookings Resident/SDSU Student wrote ...Why such the judgment people??? The owner had every right to do what he did. Nobody knows what could have played out in this situation. It is natural instict to protect oneself. I know if I heard my front window get bashed in, I would not stop and have a conversation. Bad things happen to good people. My condolensces to the family...how hard it must be. I'm sure it happend so fast, and yes there was more than likely guilty feelings afterwards. Both parties will suffer from the situation.. Thursday, Apr 9 at 10:46 PM Good Lord wrote ...Listen to some of you...are you kidding just because the p.d. was down the street doesnt mean crap!!! What the heck was he supposed to do?? Oh could you wait to break in while I call the cops, and since I'm not sure if you are a murderer or rapist...hell come on in..want a beer? Really people this man did what he thought was right. If you people wouldn't go to any length to protect your family then maybe you shouldn't have one!!!!! Thursday, Apr 9 at 8:07 PM Lar wrote ...First off, my condolences to the family. Second, this guy was within his full legal right to shoot this Dude. Third, I wouldn't have done it myself, but then again it wasn't my house that was about to be burlarized. Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:45 PM Anonymous wrote ..."What he did is what you must be willing to do when someone is attempting to break into your home or you will reap the consequences of your inaction." I didn't know that preparing yourself to kill was part of the home owning process. Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:42 PM Part a billion wrote ...To Matt S: And I never once advocated inaction, or that he not try to defend himself. I'm simply trying to point out there are other, less lethal ways of doing so. I'm not so territorial as to feel that anyone encroaching on my property should be put to death, whatever their intentions may be. Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:37 PM Part 4 wrote ...As has been stated before, main is crawling with cops at 2 am, and this was only a few blocks away. The homeowner didn't even call the police until after shooting the guy. Again, I don't think he should be charged, but in a long list of ways he could have dealt with this, he chose the poorest option. Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:33 PM Part 3 wrote ...To Matt S: And here is where we digress. I don't blame the man for shooting. I concede that was he did was legal, but legal does not mean just. Nor does it mean that he "did the right thing." Do you really feel justice was served in this instance? Being killed for an honest, foolish mistake is justice to you? That said, I don't think the shooter should be charged with anything. I do think we need to grow up as a culture and move away from this Wild West mentality. Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:57 PM Sioux Falls resident wrote ...None of us knows the entire story. But I know one thing, if an intruder breaks into my home at any time and I feel my family or I am in danger, I take action. Whether it is with a baseball bat or a firearm, I'll use it. I dont blame the homeowner a bit. He did what I would have done. Odens made a poor decision and paid for it with his life which is a shame. Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:30 PM Matt S. wrote ...The "department" I work for, Carla, is called the US Navy, where I was trained in low light and zero light shooting scenarios for years. I've fired thousands of rounds in the pitch darkness or simulated "low light". You don't "aim for an arm", it's practically impossible to do so, and is a very difficult task even in broad daylight, unless the person you firing on is willing to stand stock-still so you can draw down on them. A bit unlikely. Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:15 PM Matt S. wrote ...To "Part 1/2". It is just, and it is right, and it is legal. What he did is what you must be willing to do when someone is attempting to break into your home or you will reap the consequences of your inaction. As I said earlier, having been in Seattle and New York for years, I saw firsthand what happens to people who rely on police to come rescue them. They die. Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:14 PM To Carla wrote ...B.S. -- What department do you work for and give an example of the situation like this you handled. I would like to read about it. I've been a cop for 20 years; investigated more suicides than I care to mention, but things like this -- very rare. This is the kind of thing you read about on CNN. Thursday, Apr 9 at 5:12 PM Matt S. wrote ...If someone I love was killed in this manner I would be devastated, but I wouldn't blame the homeowner, in the least. As for "flexing my muscles" I was referring the fact that I have extensive training in low-light and zero-light shooting scenarios, in which I am expert trained. It is impossible in these situations to "aim for an arm". You are simply firing at a near-shapeless form in these situations. The man did the right thing. He shouldn't be applauded or condemned. It is what it is. Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:59 PM self control wrote ...being so damn drunk you accidently make someone think you are breaking into there home is retarded. where is the self control? i think there are other options then shooting right away also. terribly sad. Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:27 PM For Matt S wrote ...Here's hoping someday someone you love mistakenly tries to get into the wrong house in a drunken stupor and the homeowner shoots them in the chest. Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:18 PM part 2 wrote ...to break into his house, but he did keep a gun for self defense. How did he think using it would end, should the need ever arise? If you're going to go out of your way to buy a tool designed for self-defense, and not to use it to kill people, why not choose something with less permanent consequences? To all of you cheering the shooter on, you scare me. This isn't something to applaud. This is a tragedy for both parties. Thursday, Apr 9 at 4:11 PM part 1 wrote ...To all you armed forces tough guys, being trained in the use of force does not make you the ultimate moral authority on the use of it. Stop saying you're in the military as if it's at all relevant to the conversation. This is not a war. People keep going on about the homeowner's "right to defend himself," and yes, legally, the man had the right to shoot the kid. That does not make it just. Defending yourself does not have to equal killing someone else. True, he didn't ask to have someone try Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:55 PM Carla, his cousin and a police officer wrote ...Brad I will miss you and I know your parents are devestated. I know my parents are! Please everyone take the time to say a prayer for his parents and family, they need that more than judgement, I have worked these situations in my career they are not easy to handle, now I get to deal with it personnally, it isvery hard, but remember Brad as the good person he was, had awesome musical talents. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Peace be with you Brad and with your family. Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:48 PM Kymberlee wrote ...My comment is to Matt S. You said something about being assaulted! Who in the h... said the victim was assaulting anyone??? I am conflicted however. Leaning towards homeowner getting a little trigger happy! My thoughts and prayers to Bradley's family. Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:31 PM your home is YOUR castle wrote ...that's actually COMMON law, left-over from medievel times. things are a bit different now Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:28 PM Matt S. wrote ...As a vet I couldn't be more disgusted with everyone sitting in condemnation of the homeowner. Here's hoping that one day you can know what it feels like to be assaulted by someone in your own home. Here's a hint: Having lived in New York and Seattle I've BEEN in that situation, and it isn't a time when you politely ask the person if they intend to harm you. Grow up you fools. Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:26 PM Matt S. wrote ...What a joke you people are. "I don't think his intent was to break in" Really? Well guess what, he'd already broken a window and was forcing his way in. That IS breaking in. At 2am what would YOU think his intent was, to sell girlscout cookies? "He should be charged with murder." There's a foolish statement if I've ever seen one. Charge someone with murder for defending their home, great message to send to a community. If you prevent a criminal from harming you or your family you'll be jailed Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:23 PM anonymous wrote ...it was stated as a break it because the kid was trying to break into the house. he even broke a window in the door trying to break in. Just because he was drunk doesn't mean he was harmless. Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:19 PM single gal wrote ...Soooo... Sdsu student, You're saying that just because this is a college town, that as a single female, living alone, I should just assume its just some drunk, lost kid if somebody's trying to break in to MY home in the middle of the night? THERE ARE BAD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE... Brookings is NO exception. People have a right to protect themselves and their homes. Just because we live in Brookings doesn't mean we're immune to crime, drug addicts, meth heads, etc.... Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:17 PM an old friend wrote ...It isn't necessary to sit in judgement here; what is necessary is to realize that this was an EASILY avoidable situation from all points of view. Realize that now there are victims all around- instead of judging, why don't you say a prayer for everyone involved. This isn't a trial, you aren't a jury. Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:16 PM Justics wrote ...I rather be judged by 12 than carried by six, He defend his rights and I would do the same thing. Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:15 PM an old friend wrote ...It's not necessary that anyone here stand in judgement; what's necessary is that everyone realizes that this was an EASILY avoidable situation from both points of view, and there are victims all around. Why don't you all just say a prayer for them instead of judging? This isn't a trial, you're not the jury. Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:13 PM .......... wrote ...I really hope the guy who shot him has a lot of guilt right now...I personally think he should be charged with murder, but that's not up to me to decide. I live in Brookings, and if this goes to Jury Trial...the shooter better hope to GOD I'm not one of his jurrors! Thursday, Apr 9 at 3:04 PM SDSU Student wrote ...No parent should have to bury a child! Why is it that this is stated as a break-in? He was intoxicated..wanted to get home..i highly doubt that his intentions were to 'break-in' to a house. The guy who shot him will have this to think about for the rest of his life!I would've called 911. The cop shop is within 5 blocks of the house & cops here are very good and are quick to respond! This is VERY sad and stupid that a young kid is no longer with his family cause of a loss of common sense!! Thursday, Apr 9 at 2:55 PM Anonymous wrote ...There are alternative ways to protect yourself other than firing a shot... Thursday, Apr 9 at 2:51 PM anonymous wrote ...i meant to say I don't understand why people think that he should not try to protect himself just because he was drunk Thursday, Apr 9 at 2:49 PM anonymous wrote ...This kid may have been nice, but the home owner did not know him. He did't know what this guys was capable of. Bad things happen, even in brookings. Drunk people can do some very bad things so I don't understand why people keep saying that people should try to protect themselves because this kid was drunk. If someone was trying to break into my home I would protect my family Thursday, Apr 9 at 2:34 PM sdsu student wrote ...There were a few incidents when drunk kids would stumble into our apartment in a mix up after the bars closed. It's a an easy thing to do. A few stern words and the kids always left without incident. Not condoning getting plastered out of your mind.. but it's BRookings! We're college kids.. Brad was an amazing man. My heart still goes out to the homeowner, he has to live with his decision and it can't be easy on him either... Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:52 PM Your Home is Your Castle wrote ...There is a law that "your home is your castle" and there are lots of bad things that happen in the world lately. How do you know what to expect? Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:50 PM Matt S. wrote ...As a 25 year old Navy veteran and an expert rated handgun marksman, I can assure you that asking why he didn't "shoot him in the arm" in a darkened home, at night, in the confusion of the above scenario betrays nothing except the fact that you have absolutely no experience whatsoever with firearms or in a situation as the one described above. The man did the right thing. He defended himself and he gave warning of his intent. The intruder persisted in his unlawful act and was deservedly killed. Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...just because he lived 2 doors down doesn't mean the guy new him. I have lived in apartment buildings where I haven't known the people right next to me. Maybe this kid was a nice guy, but how was the home owner supposed to know that. Not all drunk people are nice and harmless, some of them can be quite violent. Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:33 PM Anonymous wrote ...If someone broke into my house at 2 am, they wouldn't be walking back out. I don't have to have a gun for that. Thats a guys role, to defend his house. Its not his fault the guy was drunk, and breaking in. What was he suppose to do, ask him if he was lost?? Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:30 PM Brookings Resident wrote ...There is a difference between picturing what happened and being there when it actually happens. This is a very unfortunate situation for both parties involved. Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:29 PM Anonymous wrote ...React by calling the police not grabbing a gun and killing him. Brookings is a college town for God sake and thus drinking town..was the home owner just born yesterday? The young man did not deserve to be killed. There should be questions as to why he didnt call 911 right away. Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:24 PM Upset wrote ...This was my cousin, and the man could of shot him anywhere but the chest and he still would of been alive!! Bradly wouldnt of fought him, he isnt like that. Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...Was he drunk? If so, not sure if he should have been killed..why didn't the man just call the police..seems kinda of extreme. Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...You know what? None of it matters. Brad, a person I knew personally, had two jobs- went to school- he was a good guy. Yes, he drank. Yes, he was drinking. But now he's dead and a man who shot him has to live with that for the rest of his life.... nobody wins and everyone's sad. It doesn't matter if he overreacted or underreacted or someone was drinking or whose fault it is... be grateful you are alive. Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:14 PM jessa wrote ...blah blah just because you have a gun and are iching you use it doesnt mean you dont have a choice not to take someones life sad and wrong!!! Thursday, Apr 9 at 1:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...Did the home owner have kids or a wife at home when this happen? What would you do at 2 am when someone is trying to break in? He obviously had a gun or guns so there was something to steal. Plus its the home owners right to shoot if someone is breaking into there house. Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...In the time it takes for the police to show up a person can be killed in their own home. It's to bad this young man is dead but the home owner has the right to defend them selves. As far as shooting him in the arm what kind of idiot thinks that some one awakend in the night by someone breaking in your haouse is going to take time to do anything but shoot under panic mode. Get a clue. This home owner did the right thing. Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...The shooter didn't wake up at O'dark thirty with intentions of killing someone. The shooter was in his own home and was forced to re-act to a given set of circumstances forced upon him. Because Brad was a "nice guy" doesn't change what he was doing. He may have meant no harm whatsoever; but how on earth is the property owner supposed to know that? There is nothing but victims left from this. Nobody wins; especially the shooter. He didn't ask to have this happen, he was forced to deal with it. Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:40 PM lar wrote ...seriously look at the house i can tell by looking at it there isnt anything worth stealing Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:39 PM Barz wrote ...To "A friend of Brad" - I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Brad as well, and he was so kindhearted and a fun guy. He definitely will be missed and there were so many things the homeowner COULD have done instead of shoot him. He could have at least shot him in the arm if he really felt the need to shoot, ya know? This all took place less than a mile from my house and it's scary to think that this can happen in Brookings, right near the bars. Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:38 PM Jessa wrote ...wow!! this could have been avoided why did he not just call the police first??? this whole shoot first aske questions later thing is unreasonable! im sorry for your loss and i hope the home owner is ashamed of himself for what he did Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...I'm not gonna say anything stupid like "Don't ever drink," but how about "Don't get so drunk you don't know whose house you've just broken a window to get into." A little forethought like getting a ride or having one less Jag bomb and Bradley Odens might still be alive. Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:32 PM Barz wrote ...Wow, wow, wow. This happens more often than you think. People get so scared that someone is breaking into their home late at night that they get trigger happy. I feel so bad for the Odens family and I send them my condolences. I also send my condolences to the man and the family of the man who shot him. This would be hard to live with. Thursday, Apr 9 at 12:11 PM A friend of Brad's wrote ...I can't believe some of the comments on here. Brad was a very nice guy. There are 20 things the house owner could have done instead of shoot him. The tragedy is that because of this senseless act, a young man's life has been ended, forever. Rest in peace, Brad. Thursday, Apr 9 at 11:38 AM Anonymous wrote ...It is to bad this happened, but it should just be a reminder that while drinking isn't bad, being drunk is. Thursday, Apr 9 at 11:28 AM Anonymous wrote ...There is probably more to the story than what is written here Thursday, Apr 9 at 11:09 AM FormerSDSUstudent wrote ...That stuff happens all the time in brookings. Especially right down the street from the bar at 2:00 am. If you think something is up call the police. They have 50 cars downtown brookings at all times, they could have been there in five minutes. Thursday, Apr 9 at 10:14 AM Tim wrote ...Now days people can break into a house and get cut on the glass while breaking in and then sue the house owner for the injury, I was was told at a conceal and carry class to shoot to kill when someone tries to break in to your home otherwise you will end up being sued. The laws aren't very fair. Thursday, Apr 9 at 9:39 AM Anonymous wrote ...How do you know someone lives two houses away when they are breaking into your house at 2AM.How would you react to that, I don't think someone would shoot unless they felt their own life was in some kind of danger. Thursday, Apr 9 at 8:53 AM Brookings Resident wrote ...I'm sorry, two HOUSES away...not two blocks. Still there isn't a reason why Brad had to die. He had his whole life ahead of him. The other guy knew he was gonna kill him if he shot him, aimed to kill. Just wrong in so many ways! Thursday, Apr 9 at 8:51 AM Brookings Resident wrote ...I don't think the guy who shot Brad had a right to do so. If Brad was drunk, and didn't know where he was and was confused, the other guy shoulda just escorted him home...HE ONLY LIVED TWO BLOCKS AWAY! Seriously...killing someone cuz they were confused is NOT the right answer. I can see if Brad threatened the guy with a knife or something, then it was self defense, but just because Brad was confused and wanted to go home...NOT THE RIGHT THING TO DO! Hope the other guy gets arrested. No excuses! Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:54 AM .... wrote ...i agree with hmmm...because shooting someone is not the answer to anything.. and even when the guy said im at the wrong house and he was trying to leave and the guy still shot him but i dont know what went down so i dont know!! Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:52 AM Anonymous wrote ...Man.. Don't act like that, have a heart, he wasn't a bad kid i knew him, just made a mistake Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:42 AM hmmm wrote ...Not to sure about that if he was confused and drunk then I don't no if shooting is the answer.But it depends on the situatiion I was not there.Have to wait and see why they felt they had to shoot. Thursday, Apr 9 at 7:15 AM Anonymous wrote ...I don't blame the guy for shooting him. What are you supposed to do when some fool is breaking into your home. Add a commentMost Popular |
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