A Nampa homeowner has been cleared of any wrongdoing after fatally shooting an attacker who showed up intoxicated and violent. Prosecutors determined the homeowner acted in lawful self-defense under Idaho’s Stand Your Ground laws.
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NAMPA, ID (2-minute read) — A Nampa man who fatally shot an intruder outside his home will not face criminal charges, as prosecutors have determined he acted in lawful self-defense.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2024, when Kevin Villalobos, reportedly intoxicated and uninvited, showed up at the home of Ryan Fleming and began attacking him. According to the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, Villalobos aggressively approached Fleming’s front door before physically assaulting him. In response, Fleming used a firearm to defend himself and his home, ultimately shooting and killing Villalobos.
Following a thorough investigation, Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Boyd announced that Fleming’s actions were justified under Idaho law. “This was a tragic situation, but Idaho’s self-defense and Stand Your Ground laws are clear,” Boyd stated. “When someone is violently attacked at their home, the law presumes they are acting out of reasonable fear and allows them to use force to protect themselves.”
Idaho’s Stand Your Ground and Self-Defense Laws
Idaho is one of several states with robust self-defense statutes, including “Stand Your Ground” provisions. These laws permit individuals to use deadly force without a duty to retreat if they are lawfully present and reasonably believe they are in imminent danger of serious harm. Idaho also recognizes the “Castle Doctrine,” which gives homeowners the right to defend themselves within their homes without having to flee first.
In Fleming’s case, the investigation included witness testimonies, forensic reports, DNA evidence, and video footage—all of which supported that he was the victim of an unprovoked and violent assault. The prosecutor’s office emphasized that the force used was proportional and necessary under the circumstances.
Safety Tip: Always know your state’s self-defense laws and ensure that any use of force is both necessary and reasonable. Being trained and mentally prepared can be just as important as owning a firearm.
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