An 83-year-old man in Benson, North Carolina, allegedly shot his 27-year-old grandson in the back during an incident being investigated as self-defense. The grandson was hospitalized and is in stable condition, while authorities have not filed charges against the grandfather at this time.

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BENSON, NC (2-minute read) — A family dispute in Benson, North Carolina took a violent turn Wednesday evening when an 83-year-old man allegedly shot his 27-year-old grandson in the back with a shotgun. The incident occurred around 5:44 p.m. on East Kennedy Circle, prompting a swift response from the Benson Police Department.

When officers arrived, they discovered the younger man suffering from a gunshot wound to his left back. He was quickly transported to WakeMed in Raleigh, where he is reportedly in stable condition.

Authorities say the shooting happened inside the residence shared by the two men. Based on preliminary findings, officials believe the grandfather fired a shotgun at his grandson during a confrontation. After reviewing the details with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, investigators determined that no charges would be filed at this time, citing self-defense.

Self-Defense and North Carolina Law

North Carolina is a “stand your ground” state, which means individuals have the legal right to use force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others. This applies not only in public but also within one’s home under the “Castle Doctrine.”

In this case, the grandfather’s advanced age, combined with a potentially threatening situation involving a younger and stronger family member, may have influenced the decision not to pursue charges. However, police say the investigation remains active, and new details could alter the legal outlook.

No further information about what led to the confrontation has been released. Family conflicts can often escalate quickly. Situational awareness, de-escalation training, and safe storage of firearms are all critical factors in preventing tragedies like this.

Safety Tip: If you keep a firearm at home for self-defense, always secure it in a locked safe or with a trigger lock when not in use. Situational training and a clear understanding of your state’s self-defense laws are also essential for responsible ownership.