Former Detective Faces Murder Charges, Claims Self-Defense in Shooting of Ex-Son-in-Law

Former Detective Faces Murder Charges, Claims Self-Defense in Shooting of Ex-Son-in-Law

A gripping trial unfolds in Las Vegas as a retired police detective finds herself on the opposite side of the law, accused of murdering her former son-in-law. Pamela Bordeaux, formerly known as Pamela Showing, claims self-defense in the fatal shooting of Shawn Babbitt in 2019. This case, replete with shocking allegations and a complex legal landscape, hinges on Bordeaux’s account of events and the jury’s perception of her actions.

A History of Trouble: Unraveling the Relationship at the Heart of the Case

The incident occurred during a scheduled visit between Shawn Babbitt and his three-year-old son at Bordeaux’s residence. While details remain unclear, it is known that Babbitt and his ex-wife, Bordeaux’s daughter, were upstairs when the shooting transpired downstairs.

Bordeaux, a 23-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, immediately contacted authorities. Body camera footage reveals a composed demeanor, yet she offers limited information about the incident. The prosecution highlights this as a point of suspicion, questioning Bordeaux’s initial engagement with responding officers.

Self-Defense or Excessive Force? The Prosecution Presents Its Case

The prosecution alleges that Bordeaux shot Babbitt at least ten times, suggesting an “absolute ambush” and execution-style killing. They emphasize the lack of injuries on Bordeaux, implying a one-sided attack. Furthermore, Babbitt’s family vehemently refutes any claims of aggression from him, describing him as a loving father and peaceful individual. They argue that the sheer number of shots fired points to malicious intent rather than self-defense.

Adding another layer to the prosecution’s case is the testimony of Bordeaux’s daughter, who claims to have not heard any dispute or confrontation prior to the gunshots. This contradicts Bordeaux’s assertion of an immediate threat justifying lethal force.

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A Deeper Dive into the Defense: Exploring the “Deviant Behavior” Argument

Central to Bordeaux’s defense is the assertion that Babbitt posed a danger to her family. Her legal team introduced a report from a clinical and forensic psychologist, John Paul Garrison, who reviewed communications between Babbitt and his ex-wife. The report alleges that Babbitt admitted to viewing extreme pornography, including bestiality and incest-related content. He also reportedly confessed to heroin use and had relinquished his parental rights in a handwritten letter.

Garrison’s report concluded that Babbitt’s alleged behaviors indicated a “propensity for violence,” contributing to Bordeaux’s perception of imminent danger. The defense argues that Bordeaux, aware of these disturbing allegations and fearing for her family’s safety, acted in self-defense.

Legal Experts Weigh In: Examining the Viability of Bordeaux’s Claim

The defense faces an uphill battle in convincing the jury that lethal force was necessary. Legal experts point out that past behavior, even if disturbing, does not necessarily justify deadly action. The burden of proof lies with the defense to demonstrate a direct and immediate threat to Bordeaux’s safety at the time of the shooting.

Nevada’s “Stand Your Ground” law adds another layer of complexity to the case. This law permits the use of lethal force without a duty to retreat if an individual reasonably believes they are in danger of death or great bodily harm. However, the prosecution will likely argue that the “Stand Your Ground” law does not apply in this case, as Bordeaux was not facing an imminent threat.

The Jury’s Dilemma: Weighing the Evidence and Delivering a Verdict

The jury must now grapple with conflicting accounts, disturbing allegations, and a complex legal landscape. They must determine whether the evidence supports Bordeaux’s claim of self-defense or if her actions constitute murder. This case highlights the intricacies of self-defense claims and the challenges juries face in evaluating the justification of lethal force. The verdict will have significant implications for both Bordeaux and the families involved, underscoring the high stakes of this emotionally charged trial.

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