On November 24, 2013, in Manchester, New Hampshire, a confrontation occurred between 20-year-old Charles Cable and 20-year-old David Hoffens, stemming from a longstanding dispute involving Hoffens' brother, Edgar. Cable approached the Hoffens' residence on Lake Avenue, reportedly to arrange a fistfight to resolve the conflict. He brought an unloaded gun, intending to intimidate the brothers and prevent escalation.
However, the situation intensified when Cable confronted David outside the apartment, allegedly grabbing him by the neck and running the unloaded gun along his face.
Fearing that Cable was reaching for a loaded weapon, David drew his own firearm, leading to a struggle between the two men. During the altercation, multiple shots were fired, resulting in Cable being fatally wounded. Additionally, Edgar Hoffens, who had exited the apartment armed but did not discharge his weapon, sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest from David's gun during the struggle.
Following the incident, David fled the scene and disposed of his firearm near a trash barrel west of Hall Street. Although police recovered his discarded holster and sweatshirt, the gun was not found. David was charged with falsifying evidence for attempting to remove the gun used in the shooting.
After a thorough investigation, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office concluded that David was justified in using deadly force against Cable, as it was reasonable for him to fear that Cable was preparing to use deadly force against him. Regarding Edgar's death, officials determined there was insufficient evidence to ascertain who fired the fatal shot or whether it was accidental, leading to no criminal charges being filed in connection with his death.
