Interesting story. A sorted problem where a tenant stops paying and a frustrated landlord resorts to things like self help eviction and finally ends up killing the tenant.

Being a landlord can be frustrating, doubly frustrating the last couple of years with courts not conducting evictions but this landlords solution will likely end with her serving some time.

Even if her story is true that the tenant came out her while she was there cleaning (thus self defense), the previous interactions with tenant/police and throwing his belonging out and locking him out will prove hard to overcome through the court system. Having a witness or a recording would have been her best defense.

I've always been extremely careful interacting with tenants, especially ones that are not on good terms, for this very reason. If something happens, it's pretty easy to jump to the conclusion that the angry landlord flipped out whether or not it is true.

www.thehour.com/policereports/article/Prosecutor-Norwalk-city-official-fatally-shot-16794540.php

I do not become nearly as frustrated with tenants as my husband. I have informed him that he is no longer allowed to interact with the tenants.

I purchased this home along with two other units on another piece of property close by. Then got married. He knew this ahead of time yet I believe it sticks in his craw, as the saying goes. At one point when we had a very difficult tenant, my husband was going to teach him a lesson and I immediately intervened. I told him it is exactly what the tenant wanted and he was not worth us being sued and loosing everything I had worked for. It was touch and go for awhile and I informed my husband that if he didn't cool down and become reasonable he could go and spend time at his sons home until I had things under control. It could have very easily turned into what you are talking about above.

She threw away his personal possession, including jewelry and cash? That just...doesn't sound right. At all.

MikeA,

Thanks for posting this.

It reminds me that in all the times I knocked on their doors I NEVER got any money or positive results. Mostly arguments and threats. I finally stopped when I learned the court system AND when a res came to the door with a gun.

(I may be slow but I DO catch on!)

We shifted to WRITTEN ONLY. I would post a notice on their door.

For the last few years, ZERO TOLERANCE on lates has made a HUGE HUGE HUGE difference. We text, they pay. Done.

No weapons or arguments.

When they only owe a week of rent $230, it's not a big hairy deal.

My guess is she let him fall farther and farther behind, thus building animosity in the "finger".

The Prosecutor's said "She let anger control her finger." I'd say a little more than just here FINGER!

This lady needs to take Jeffrey's Boot Camp and learn how to manage a rental! Maybe Jeffrey can set up an online version she can take from prison?!? :)

BRAD

I wonder if there were any witnesses.

The deceased cannot tell his side of the event.

Her self-defense defense will not go far due to her previous actions.

I also have to wonder - did they guy "half move out" and was dragging his feet, as is so common with non-payers? Could that be why she removed his stuff?

Lessons:

NEVER argue with a res. No need to and it does not help a thing.

Do everything in writing, at least by text. If he says he'll be out tomorrow you can defend tomorrow's actions.

Arguers LOVE to send inflammatory texts! which turn out to be good evidence for the LL!

BRAD