The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that Rob Lomas, a homeowner in his 50s, will not face criminal charges for the killing of Marcus Smith, a 19-year-old man who was found dead at his farm in Whaley Bridge.
Lomas was arrested and had been on bail following the incident, but the CPS has now decided that a charge will not be brought against him in relation to the murder. The decision was made after careful analysis of all the evidence gathered during the police investigation.
The CPS stated that Lomas had discharged a legally held firearm when confronted with burglars in his home, and that the decision not to charge him was made in accordance with the law surrounding a householder's rights to defend themselves.
Janine McKinney, chief crown prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, expressed her thoughts with Mr Smith's family and loved ones, saying, "Our thoughts are with Mr Smith's family and loved ones."
Neighbors described the incident as a "burglary that went wrong," with one saying that the farm is located in a remote area and is an opportunistic burglary that has gone wrong. Another neighbor expressed shock at the incident, stating that the town is normally quiet and peaceful.
Three men arrested for burglary at the same property remain on bail, while another 19-year-old man who suffered gunshot wounds on the night of the incident was taken to hospital before being arrested.
The police are continuing to investigate the incident, and are searching outdoor buildings at the farm in connection with the burglary.
