Authorities rule fatal shooting at Twin Falls trailer park self defense

The Twin Falls Police Department and County Prosecutor have ruled May's fatal shooting at the Creekside Trailer Court an act of self defense.

On May 26 police say Billy Duane Johnson, 45, of Twin Falls fatally shot William Newton Scott, 38, also of Twin Falls.

Johnson helped run the trailer park which sits near the busy intersection of Washington Street and Addison Avenue.

The Twin Falls Police Department says that after they and the the prosecutor's office reviewed the evidence with suspect and witness interviews they came to the conclusion.

“A person has the right to use deadly force when he reasonably believes it is necessary to defend himself, his family or other persons, or his home from attack,” said Grant Loebs, Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney, “we concluded after looking at all the evidence that this was what happened in this case.”

Twin Falls Police say Scott went to the trailer park with another adult man and a teenager t confront Johnson. They say Scott attacked Johnson. They say a short struggle ensued that ended with Johnson used his gun to shoot Scott. The shot proved fatal for Scott.

“This event is an example of several poor decisions leading to tragedy. Our agency investigated this event thoroughly and the evidence supports that Mr. Johnson acted in self-defense when he shot Mr. Scott. The Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney was consulted every step of the way during this investigation,” said Chief Craig Kingsbury of the Twin Falls Police Department.

Johnson will be charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He will stand trial later this year for that charge.