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Off Duty Officer Kills A Man In Self Defense

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Posted: 9:05 PM Jul 17, 2008
Last Updated: 7:52 AM Jul 18, 2008
Reporter: Christine Kennedy

49 comments

A | A | A

It's a frightening thought. An intruder trying to break into your home late at night.

An off duty police officer says it happened to him at his girlfriend's home at Ramblewood Apartments in Greene County Wednesday night while her two kids were there. Stantonsburg police officer Rodney Williams says that's when he opened fire with his police weapon killing the man who turned out to be his girlfriend's ex husband, 32 year old Michael Honey, the father of the kids.

It's unclear why Honey showed up at the apartment, but Williams told authorities he feared for his life. Williams does not face charges or disciplinary action at this time.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Jon Location: Kinston on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:21 PM
You people watch wayy too much CSI. Its ok to be curious, but people read way too much into this. If the cop wasnt there then we maybe would have had a rape or homicide instead of a self-defense case.

Posted by: M. Location: Washington Co. on Jul 22, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Ron, I agree with you. There is so much to this story. A firm investigation is in order. What happened to the 911 call?

Posted by: Alan Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Ron, you maybe right. You maybe wrong. I have only seen what is written here. Have there been any updates? Any more comments from the police? I honestly dont know. I have been busy. Dont want to make any assumptions. OBAMA, whats hapnin? I have been endulged in intelligent communication and have been very busy. I sent a response that was edited totally out and was really very nice and to the point, but contained a political comment. I guess thats not allowed

Posted by: Anonymous Location: G'ville on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I think that it is more to this story. It just doesn't sound that clear to me. I just don't get why the boyfriend shot his girlfriend ex-husband(father of her children). Maybe she invited him over and didn't have no idea that the boyfriend would be there. I know people do crazy things but i just don't believe that this ex-husband would try to break into his ex-wife house knowing that she was dating an officer and also knowing that he could have been there at anytime. But, if the ex-husband was trying to break into the home then he just suffered the consequences for his wrong actions. I don't want to say that he got what he deserves becuz no one deserves to die until the time comes for them.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Ron I totally agree.

Posted by: Ron Location: Windsor on Jul 21, 2008 at 06:49 PM
If you believe that this shooting was purely self-defense, then I have some swamp land in Florida I would love to sell you. This off duty officer knew who he was shooting and shot to kill; not to protect anyone or anything. All too often, we excuse those in positions of authority and power when they use their authority for their own selfish ends. The man who was killed, had people who loved him too...

Posted by: James Location: Snow Hill on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:40 PM
It's good to be curious but lets not just straight to conclusions. Any deputy in their right mind is going to carry a weapon, service or not.

Posted by: Paul Location: Wilson on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:37 PM
To "Nee Nee", just because you took criminal justice classes in college does not make you an official in law enforcement. Just because it was not in a locked case does not give way as to why the ex was there at 12 midnight without an excuse for being there. Even if it were in a locked case the ex would still be dead. If someone breaks into your house and there is a gun that is close at hand, what are you going to do? At this point it wouldn't matter if it were his service weapon or a personal weapon.

POST EDITED

Posted by: Craig Location: G-Vegas on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Well, I wonder if there is an insurance policy that the kids get. I think there may be more details to this that what is said to be face value. This off duty cop has a gun. He shoots and kills the father of his girlfriends children at the girlfriends house? Why is his gun at his girlfriends house? Is there a custody battle? Is there any kind of police record on the father? Did the father bring or have a weapon? Did the girlfriend/mother call the father and have him come over? There are way to many questions that have not been answered. This sounds VERY suspicious.

Posted by: victim Location: greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 03:37 AM
You people are so quick to judge. If you haven't ever faced death or have been in a situation were somebody broke in your house and tired to kill you, you will never understand. I was a victim in a similar situation were my ex husband broke in my house and beat the HELL out of me, tired to rape me and kill me. I know what it feels like to not have any other choice but to shoot someone. I shot him in self-defense. You all need to think to yourself what you would do if it was you. That man was only protecting his girlfriend's children and himself the same way I had to protect myself and my children.

Posted by: Mother and children Location: Eastern NC on Jul 20, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Divorce is nasty, and it just gets nastier when kids are involved. So sad that someone died. This situation has to be tough for all involved.

Posted by: re fused Location: remote nc on Jul 20, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Good job WITN. I surf many local news sites nationwide and WITN is one of the best. Personally, I doubt the avg citizen would be treated the same as this policeman. The followup story(s) may prove interesting.

Posted by: Lee Location: Greenville on Jul 19, 2008 at 05:13 PM
The man just "turned out to be his girlfriend's ex-husband". Maybe he wouldn't hurt anyone - just ask the man he killed if it hurt. Wonder if he was really trying to break in or if that just makes a good cover story. Keep investigating-the truth is out there.

Posted by: Bec Location: Greenville on Jul 19, 2008 at 03:04 PM
No one knows what they would do in a situation like what happened to Rodney on that awful night. I know that Rodney would never hurt anyone intentionally ! What happened to Rodney that night, will be with him for the rest of his life.I have known Rodney for over 20 yrs. Rodney was a GREAT kid, a GREAT teenager and has never given his Mom a bit of trouble. My prayers are with everyone involoved in this situation. Rodney, I am behind you and I am praying for you and your Mom! I am very Proud of the Great young man that you have become! Rodney has been a Police Officer for years and is and will continue to be a GREAT Police Officer! Keep your chin up Rodney !!

Posted by: Pete Location: down east on Jul 19, 2008 at 02:34 PM
First off anyone who attempts to enter a residents home with a minor child inside is guilty of what is called midnight burglary this is a major felony I know a sheriff's brother who got 26 years for it.and I am not defending the deputy but how do you know where his gun was at? were you there?how long did the guy sit outside till his hate over came him to make him break in the home?

Posted by: mary on Jul 19, 2008 at 04:08 AM
seems like WITN were only doing thier jobs as you all should know most news is already printed in the early morning hours the news is already finished for the next day usually by closing time the day before so someone had to take the time to get what they could get of the story in so something was reported, people give them a chance to realy get the story in detail and remember they only depend on what THEY are told and most of the time.. isnt much. Usually men and women in law inforcement are not allowed to talk about it until the investigation is complete.

Posted by: Jessica Location: Wilson on Jul 19, 2008 at 12:56 AM
In response to NRA: I am not a part of the family, when you say that the family always say that they weren't the murderer. They didn't even find a 2nd weapon and he wouldn't hurt anyone because I knew him and his character.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 18, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Alan no I don't know but yes I do have another question. What happened to you going to attempt to find intelligent communication elsewhere? LOL.......I really was joking, I didn't know you were so sensitive and so close over the edge. I'm use to tough men on these blogs, they usually laugh it off. The only ones that keep arguing are usually women. I said friends. LOL@ru serious....I'm not!

Posted by: Emily Location: Clayton on Jul 18, 2008 at 11:20 PM
I am shocked senseless that the Greene County officers new where to find the body of the man that got shot and killed right on sight! They mess everythin else up I am shocked they didnt mess that up to!

Posted by: me Location: nc on Jul 18, 2008 at 10:56 PM
i would love to know what most people would do when they heard someone breaking into a house where they were late at night. i can tell you, you would either protect your family and loved ones or call the police. if not you are a coward this officer did what he felt was necessary at the time. i commend him i bet you now people will start to think alittle more before they start breaking into peoples houses late at night. i can tell you what would happen if you came into mine... GOOD JOB officer!!!

Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Jul 18, 2008 at 09:54 PM
What happened to being able to protect?

Posted by: Alan on Jul 18, 2008 at 09:19 PM
dont know you, haven't cried in awhile and don't wear pink, any questions?

Posted by: ru serious Location: NC on Jul 18, 2008 at 08:56 PM
are you guys serious

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 18, 2008 at 08:50 PM
To: Alan.....i'm flattered that you know me. I was actually joking with you. ha ha hardy har har. But i didn't know you were so sensitive. I hope your not crying. Send me your address and I'll send you some pink fluffy bunny shoes ok? Friends?

Posted by: Alan Location: To: Obama 08 on Jul 18, 2008 at 08:13 PM
you complain about others comments all of the time, more then anyone on any local media blog. You chill! Respond all you want, I am going to attempt intelligent communication elsewhere

Posted by: NRA on Jul 18, 2008 at 06:54 PM
I'd like to point out to all of the people who say that 'Mike' couldn't hurt anybody, that's what the family of the murderer ALWAYS say when they are in front of a jury. I've got news for you guys, humans are fully capable of irrational and emotional violence - and breaking into a house late at night...who knows what he was thinking? I'd rather HIM be dead than the woman and her two kids - there's too much violence in Eastern Carolina these days, this may have been another incident if it weren't for the police officer.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: Greenville on Jul 18, 2008 at 06:35 PM
To Nee Nee Off duty officers are supposed to keep there weapons in such a way that minors cannot get to them.. Matter of fact its state law that any guns kept in a home are supposed to be kept in such a way that minors(children)cannot access them. Officers in most jurisdictions, whether on or off duty, are expected to be armed and to exercise their authority when necessary. What you need to keep in mind that is that if small children were around more then likely he kept it in a safe place or on his person.Even so it is not that hard to take a trigger lock off or open up a lock box after hearing a noise. With all the crime around NC I typically keep a pistol on me or where I can grab it quickly when at home. I took a class also and NC law allows for you to shoot thru a door if you believe that the person attempting to break in is going to commit a felony like assault or rape. They key words are I was in fear for my life.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 18, 2008 at 05:27 PM
To:Posted by: Alan Location: Greenville on Jul 18, 2008 at 03:54 PM......Man calm down, you need to take it easy before you have a stroke. Your right, they do need to read the entire article before posting. But your coming off as a long armed mutton head. Chill out before you loose your baby. It's just a post, don't take it that seriously.

Posted by: Alan Location: Greenville on Jul 18, 2008 at 03:54 PM
you people are idiots...you make all of these comments without reading the whole article. MAC...it says in the first line "intruder trying to break into home late at night" gosh I hate stupidity!!!!! alot of you are saying that it needs to be investigated further....WHY ARE YA'LL ASSUMING THAT THEY AREN'T??? there is a dead man here IT WILL BE INVESTIGATED!!! you run your mouths without knowing what you are talking about...read the article AND quit the stupid assumptions

POST EDITED

Posted by: Zulu Location: Beaufort County on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Sounds like our illustrious cop might have been somewhere he shouldn't have been!

Posted by: Mac on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I would like to know what did the ex-husband do to make the Officer fear for his life? The report never said that the man actually entered the home, so did the Officer shoot through the door?

POST EDITED

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Mike was a nice guy. Prayers for his children and family.

Posted by: Nee Nee (Tanissa) Location: Wilson on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Being a college graduate, I have taken several criminal justice classes, and in the class I learned that when a police officer is off duty, he is suppose to keep his gun locked up in a safe with a gun lock. What was his gun doing in the house with two small children? Just a Question to think about!!!!!

Posted by: Jessica Location: Wilson on Jul 18, 2008 at 01:31 PM
My prayers go out to Mike's family. Mike wouldn't hurt anyone. Everytime I saw Mike he would try to minister and sing, and lift up Gods name. I seen him the other day trying to enlist in the marines and do better for his family.

POST EDITED

Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 18, 2008 at 12:27 PM
To Ziekers,,WITN can only tell yopu what the cops tell them.So why don"t you give them a break.If you can do better-Go down and ask ? yourself.WITN-keep up the Good work.One of your FANS.

Posted by: Tammy Location: Williamston on Jul 18, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Well, yea, this does need a bit more investigating. I do hope that nothing too bad come out of it and that he was only protecting the "family". Maybe he didnt know that it was the ex husband before he shot--he just shot b/c it was an intruder inside the apartment. The ex was violating--so maybe he was thinking to shoot or be shot--now a days, you just dont know whats goin on in the mind of others. Gotta protect yourself

Posted by: Alan Location: Greenville on Jul 18, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Ziekers....it said in the article it was "unclear" why he was there. Why dont you read the article and let the police do their job. If you think you can do such a great job then why dont you become a reporter instead of bashing WITN JEEEEZZ!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 18, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I just hope no one tries to break into any of you pin heads home. I think that the Law Enforcement in that area know how to do their jobs. If the news reporter had of left out off duty police officer their would be a lot of different reaction, it shows how this country thinks off Law Enforcement very ungreatful until you need them.

Posted by: Heavy Location: Stantonsburg on Jul 18, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Losing Michael is a great loss to the Christian community. I pray that the truth comes out and that this be investigated further.

Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 18, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Why are you people always putting witn down? they can only tell you what the cops tell them. Give them a break.Good Job WITN,,,Keep us up to date and I will keep watching.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: New Bern on Jul 18, 2008 at 05:06 AM
If the boy friend had not have been there would this have been a different headline.MOTHER AND CHILDREN KILLED BY EX-HUSBAND.Then people whould have said, he seemed like such a nice guy too. There have been way to many killings, by ex's to second guess so quickly.

Posted by: WHY Location: somewhere in NC on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:15 AM
this is just to vague! My first question would be "Where were the girlfriend?" This really need to be further investigated. They never said if the ex respond to him or nothing. Being that he is an officer, did he acknowledge to the intruder that he was an officer and he had a weapon. Maybe this wasn't an ex, it could've been an off and on again relationship.

Posted by: Ziekers Location: Hubert on Jul 17, 2008 at 11:06 PM
RE: Editors comment. What a lame excuse coming from an "editor". Ever heard of investigative reporting? Get a reporter down there and ask some freakin questions for Gods sake! JEEEEZZ!

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on Jul 17, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Ziekers, the article clearly states 'ex-husband". Guess we have another "good-ole-boy " story going on here.

Posted by: Ziekers Location: Hubert on Jul 17, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Lots of questions here. Was it an Ex husband, or an estranged husband? Did the two men know each other? Were there previous confrontations? Why would the ex just show up? Does she or the kids get any like insurance benefits? Was it all a big setup? Seems like the cop's judgement may need to be reevaluated. Hard to tell with this typically TINY article that totally lacks detail by WITN.COM! You guys have GOT to do a better job of reporting! Your articles are too often just teasers until days later when the real news has already been broken by other news agencies. Either do you homework and report the news or get out of the businss! Editors comment: This is all the police have offered in the investigation at this point.

Posted by: Jville Girl Location: NC on Jul 17, 2008 at 10:46 PM
sounds like they R taking up 4 one of there own

Posted by: chocolate Location: Wilson on Jul 17, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Mike would not hurt anyone. This truly needs to be investigated further.

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