Investigators: Beaufort fatal shooting was self-defense
By Christopher Buchanan – WJCL
HILTON HEAD, S.C. (WJCL) — A mother has been identified in the shooting death of her son in Beaufort County Monday— and she’s not currently facing charges.
The initial investigation identified the person who shot William Bryant as his mother, Marilou Bryant.
Thus far, investigation has uncovered substantial evidence to support she was acting in defense of another when firing the fatal bullets.
The investigation has revealed the 6 foot 5 inch, 230 pound, former military serviceman made recent threats of violence towards his grandmother and mother.
It has also revealed, the son was behaving aggressively and attempting to enter his 91-year-old grandmother’s bedroom when Marilou Bryant intervened and shot him with a handgun.
Simply a crazy story anyway you look at it. We may never know what was being said at the time of the incident, or what the history was between these family members – but it sure has to be tough to pull the trigger on your own child.
Obviously it was necessary, but our condolences go out to Marilou Bryan who was forced to shoot her son in order to protect her 91 year old mother.
Stories like this reinforce the notion that everyone should be prepared to protect themselves no matter what age or gender. We can never possibly know when, or from whom, a threat will arise.Marilou lived in a senior citizen community, she probably felt very safe and protected there. Who wouldn’t? Senior citizen communities are supposed to be safe welcoming places for people in their twilight.
Nonetheless, a threat from her son shattered that sense of security. Had she not been prepared to protect herself and her mom, who knows what could have happened.
