A Cedar Hill homeowner shot and killed a man he said broke into his house late on Christmas Eve, and the alleged intruder turned out to be the mayor’s stepson.
Josh Slaven, 31, was pronounced dead about midnight Tuesday night. He was the stepson of Cedar Hill Mayor Rob Franke.
Police questioned the homeowner, Gareth Long, but he was not arrested.
The case may be referred to a grand jury.
Long’s attorney, Chris Knox, said Slaven entered the house by breaking a bedroom window.
“Mr. Long gave repeated warnings that he had a firearm and continuously demanded the intruder exit the home,” Knox said in a statement. “Ignoring the warnings, the intruder advanced further into the home and Mr. Long reacted with force, as allowed by law, in order to defend himself, his wife and his home.”
City spokesman Corky Brown said Franke had no immediate comment.
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Police records show Franke called officers to report his stepson had assaulted him on Nov. 17 after Franke “confronted him about a drug addiction.” Slaven was arrested.
On Nov. 25, Slaven returned to the home and a 31-day protective order was issued to keep him away, according to city records.
