In the early morning hours of Halloween 2019, the life of Duane E. 'Boomp' Buckner Jr., a 37-year-old African American man, was tragically cut short in an apartment at West 24th and Liberty streets in Erie, Pennsylvania. Known for a smile that could brighten any room, Duane was a father of three, an avid runner often seen on his daily workouts around town, and a beloved member of the Mt. Ebal Baptist Church. His unexpected death stemmed from a fatal encounter with Jonathan Outlaw, then 36, which ended when Outlaw shot Buckner once in the hip and once in the back.
The events leading to the shooting were steeped in conflict. Outlaw, who was charged with first-degree murder, argued that he acted in self-defense. His defense team painted a picture of a man living in fear of Buckner, who he claimed had been verbally bullying and threatening him. The trial brought forth testimony about 'smack talk' and threats made by Buckner towards Outlaw. The defense highlighted Buckner's past, which included an accusation of attempted homicide, and noted that on the morning of the shooting, Buckner's blood-alcohol content was at least 0.114%. They portrayed Buckner as an imposing figure at six and a half feet tall and 205 pounds, compared to Outlaw, who stood at 5 feet 8 inches and weighed 165 pounds.
The prosecution, however, argued that Outlaw's decision to open fire was a conscious and intentional act of murder, not a desperate act of self-preservation. They pointed out that Buckner was not armed and that Outlaw's initial statements to the police were inconsistent, at one point claiming he shot Buckner as he was trying to run out of the house. The complexities of the case were further deepened by the revelation that Outlaw suffered from PTSD after witnessing his brother's death in a previous shooting, a factor his defense claimed contributed to his belief that he was in imminent danger.
After a trial that weighed the volatile history between the two men, the jury deliberated for just over three hours. They ultimately sided with the defense, finding Jonathan Outlaw not guilty on all charges, including homicide. The verdict, delivered in March 2021, centered on the legal justification of self-defense, concluding a case that left a profound impact on the Erie community and the family of Duane Buckner, who remember him for his positive attitude and dedication to his loved ones.
