Irmo (WLTX) - A pizza delivery driver who Lexington County deputies say shot and killed one of the men who tried to rob him is making his first statement since the crime.
Christopher Miller, 43, issued a statement Monday afternoon.
Here is his statement in its entirety:
"My name is Christopher Miller, I am the Pizza Hut delivery driver that was robbed Saturday night and I would like to make the following statement.
"I would like to tell the family of Paul Sturgill how very sorry I am about the death of their son. I cannot begin to imagine the pain that you are going through and for that I am deeply sorry.
"When I arrived at the house I was confronted by four individuals, believing I was about to be robbed, I ran. All four individuals chased after me. After running about a hundred feet, Mr. Sturgill caught up to me, he jumped on top of me punching me several times in the face and head, I pushed him away but he continued to attack me. Knowing that the other three would soon arrive to help him and believing I would be gravely injured or even killed, I pulled my weapon and fired two shots in self defense. The other three ran off. I immediately called 911 from my cell phone and told the operator what happened and to send the police and an ambulance.
"I believe that night all four of them meant to cause me serious harm and possible kill me. I have delivered pizzas on and off for ten years and have worked at the store in Irmo for the past four years and this is the third time I have been robbed delivering pizzas.
"I am married with a five year old daughter and this whole ordeal has been very difficult for me and my family. However; I believe everyone has the right to defend themselves if their lives are threatened.
"Thank you for your support and prayers."
Meanwhile, two of the men suspected of holding up Miller were in court Monday morning.
Jason Beckham, 18, and Carlos Dates, 20 appeared before a magistrate at the Lexington County Detention Center. The judge set bond at $250,000 for both men.
Lexington County Sheriff James Metts says Saturday night, four men ordered pizza to a house on Avery Place Drive with the intent of robbing whomever delivered it. None of the four lived there and officials say the homeowner did not realize his home was being used for a robbery.
Miller says he showed up at the home at 10:30 p.m. and 17-year-old Paul Sturgill was standing on the sidewalk waiting for him.
Officials say soon after Miller got out of the car, two other men ran at him from the woods. When Miller started running away, that's when authorities say Sturgill continually tried beating him in the face.
Miller, who has a concealed weapons permit, says he pulled out .45 caliber handgun that he had in his fanny pack and shot Sturgill in his chest. Sturgill was taken to the hospital where he later died.
The three other suspects ran.
Lexington County officials arrested Beckham at the home of the alleged robber who died early Sunday morning. Dates was arrested around the same time.
The final suspect, Justin Roundtree, turned himself over to authorities around 9:15 Sunday night.
Miller has not been charged in connection to the shooting, but the incident remains under investigation.
3/9/2009 5:21:11 PM
