(This story has been updated with new information.)
A Bradford County man died after a shooting incident Oct. 3, and police released additional information Monday indicating the shooting was likely justified by the victim’s actions.
The incident took place around 3:40 p.m. at 210 Vista Drive in Athens Township, just west of Sayre, according to the Athens Township Police Department.
The victim, identified as 59-year-old John J. Kraus, was treated at the scene and later transported to Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, where he died from his wounds, police said.
An autopsy was performed Sunday, and the Bradford County Coroner’s Office ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Krause, who lived at the Vista Drive address with his mother, had been shot by another man, identified as David Hancock, 57, no address given, police said.
Hancock and his wife, who was Kraus’s ex-wife, were visiting Kraus’s mother at her invitation when, according to witnesses, Kraus violently attacked and assaulted Hancock, police said.
During the course of the confrontation, Krause threw Hancock to the floor, pinned him on his back and repeatedly struck him in the face and head with closed fists, and witnesses said he then grabbed a picture frame and violently struck Hancock with it.
Arriving officers later noted Hancock had a serious head injury and was holding a blood-soaked shirt to his head while bleeding profusely down his face.
Hancock, who was licensed to carry a concealed firearm, stated he believed Kraus intended to kill him. Hancock drew a concealed handgun and shot Kraus twice, police said.
After Kraus was taken to the hospital, Hancock and the others remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Hancock was also later treated at Robert Packer Hospital for his injuries.
Police pointed to Pennsylvania state law, which says the use of deadly force is justifiable if the person believes its necessary to protect himself against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat.
The Athens Township Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Sayre and Athens Borough police departments.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Athens Township man dies from gunshot wounds. Police believe it was self-defense: Update
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
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