Steven Crider, a 16-year-old from Sacramento, CA, tragically lost his life on May 4, 2014. The incident occurred during an attempted burglary on Arcade Boulevard. According to police reports, Steven and a 14-year-old friend, Michael Sambrano, were shot by the homeowner's brother while breaking into the house. This was reportedly the third time the same house had been targeted by burglars. The homeowner, a widow, had previously experienced break-ins on April 20 and April 29, which led her to have her brother stay with her for protection. On the morning of May 4, the burglars entered the home and were met with gunfire, resulting in their deaths.
Steven's mother, Sandy Crider, expressed deep sorrow and confusion over the incident, struggling to reconcile the police's account with her understanding of her son. She described Steven as the youngest of her eight children and someone who had a place to stay with his sister, despite being described by others as a homeless kid who had fallen through the cracks. The family believed Steven had lied about his whereabouts to spend time with his girlfriend, a decision that ultimately led to his tragic death.
The case did not result in any arrests or charges against the homeowner's brother, as California law permits the use of deadly force in self-defense if one fears for their life. This legal protection applied to the circumstances of the shooting, given the history of break-ins and the perceived threat to the homeowner's safety. The incident highlighted the complexities and emotional toll of such cases, leaving the Crider family to grapple with their loss and the legal justifications for the fatal outcome.
