Contra Costa County prosecutors have determined that a fatal November shooting outside a Richmond corner store was an act of self defense and will not bring criminal charges. The decision comes as Richmond confronts a series of recent homicides in the city.
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RICHMOND, CA (3 minute read) — Police and prosecutors say a confrontation that turned deadly outside a Richmond corner store in early November will not lead to criminal charges. Investigators concluded that the man who returned fire after being shot acted in lawful self defense when he fatally shot twenty year old Richmond resident Griffin Hammond near Carlson Boulevard and Potrero Avenue.
The case, first seen as the city’s third homicide of the year, has become another reminder of how fast everyday arguments can escalate once firearms are involved, especially in crowded public places like neighborhood markets.
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Richmond Self Defense Shooting At Shop And Stop Market
According to the Richmond Police Department, the encounter began around eight o nine in the evening inside the Shop And Stop Market. Detectives say a person inside the store brandished a firearm at Hammond. In response, Hammond drew his own firearm. Instead of walking away, the conflict moved toward the store’s entrance, where the danger to bystanders grew.
Police say Hammond stepped outside and fired multiple rounds toward the store. One of those rounds struck a second person who was just entering the business. That injured person then shot back, hitting Hammond. Hammond was fatally wounded, while the injured person left the scene and later sought treatment at a local hospital, as is common when people are trying to distance themselves from a crime scene but still need urgent medical care.
Richmond homicide detectives presented the facts of the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on December eight. After reviewing statements, evidence and surveillance footage, prosecutors decided that no one involved would face criminal charges. They concluded that the person who fired the fatal shot was lawfully defending themselves after already being hit by gunfire. Police say they are not releasing the names of those involved, other than Hammond, because no charges are being filed.
This ruling reflects how California self defense law generally works. A person may use deadly force if they reasonably believe they are facing an immediate threat of death or severe injury. When someone has already been shot, as in this case, prosecutors often view returning fire as a defensive act, especially if evidence shows they did not start the gunfire and were trying to stop an ongoing threat. That does not make the outcome any less tragic, but it does explain why a fatal shooting does not always lead to criminal charges.
Richmond residents concerned about safety can take practical steps even without carrying a firearm. Staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding heated confrontations when possible, keeping some distance from arguments in public places and leaving at the first sign of trouble all dramatically reduce risk. In many self defense situations, the best decision is not to stand your ground but to calmly back away and get to safety.
Safety Tip: If you choose to carry a firearm, train regularly on both marksmanship and judgment, including when not to shoot, and always know your state and local self defense laws before you ever walk out the door armed.
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