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Saturday, May 25, 2013 | 11:53 a.m.

Posted: 8:28 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2012

Florida shooting prompts Texas lawmaker to want to alter Castle Doctrine

El Pasoans have mixed reactions

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By Veronica Macias

Houston Chronicle

EL PASO, TX —

The death of Florida's teen Treyvon Martin has sparked one Texas representative to question how the Texas Castle Doctrine is set up. The Texas law protects people's right to defend themselves in their home or car if they feel like someone is threatening their life.

But Texas Rep. Garnet Coleman said he is proposing that the law include a clause where a person must attempt to runaway or retreat before using deadly force.

"Of course you can shoot somebody if they come to your house. If not shoot but do something," said Brenda Kosinsky from west El Paso. 

Yet others agree with the Coleman and believe a person should really have to prove the aggressor showed intent to harm. 

"I don't think the person has a right to shoot a person just automatically," said Delia Hernandez.

Hernandez said it's hard to prove someone may be planning to use deadly force but would like for Texas lawmakers to carefully review the law so another life like Martin's isn't lost. 

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