Three men charged after intruder shot dead during ‘burglary’

Three men have been charged following a burglary at a property in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, where an intruder was shot dead by the homeowner. The incident occurred in the early hours of 1 May 2024, according to Derbyshire Police. Jack Cooper, 22, of Sparrowpit, and Reece Nadin, 20, of Horderns Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, were charged with burglary in connection with the incident. Marcus Smith, 19, of Chapel-en-le-Frith, was found dead at the scene after being shot by the homeowner. The homeowner, a man in his 50s, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder. However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) later confirmed that he would not face criminal charges related to the death of Mr Smith or the serious injuries sustained by another individual on the property. The CPS stated that the homeowner had discharged a legally held firearm when confronted with burglars inside his home. The police confirmed that three men are facing legal action for burglary in connection with the incident. In addition to Cooper and Nadin, Frederick Andric, 32, of Buxton Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, has also been charged with a burglary at the same property between 29 and 30 April 2024. All three suspects have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on 17 August. Derbyshire Police responded to the call at the remote property located on Eccles Road. They arrived shortly after the shooting and confirmed the death of Marcus Smith. The police described the incident as a burglary attempt, though they did not provide further details on how the confrontation unfolded. The homeowner’s actions led to the fatal outcome, which has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the intrusion. The case highlights the complex legal and ethical implications of self-defense in residential settings. While the homeowner acted under what he believed to be a threat, the resulting fatality has prompted discussions about the use of force in such situations. The CPS emphasized that the homeowner's actions were justified under the law, given the presence of intruders in his home. The accused individuals, Cooper, Nadin, and Andric, are all local residents of Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge. Their alleged involvement in multiple burglaries at the same property suggests a pattern of criminal behavior. The timing of the incidents, spanning from late April to early May, indicates possible ongoing efforts to gain access to the residence. As the legal process unfolds, the court will determine whether the charges against the three men will lead to formal prosecution. The case also underscores the broader issue of burglary and the potential consequences of using firearms in self-defense. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are likely to release more information as the case progresses. The community remains concerned about the safety of its residents and the need for clearer guidelines regarding the use of weapons in domestic confrontations.