House Guest To The Rescue: Shoots And Kills Home Intruder, Sends Other Three Running For Their Lives

JOPLIN, MISSOURI — An attempted burglary of a residence happened early Monday morning, but the four burglars got more than they bargained for when a house guest staying at the home was armed — and not afraid to defend themselves.

“It was an invited guest who acted in self-defense,” police Capt. Bob Higginbotham told The Joplin Globe Tuesday. “I still can’t relinquish that person’s name. But they are considered a victim (in the home invasion).”

Michael P. Dean, 32, of Joplin, was shot and killed after he and three others broke into the home. The other men were captured later that day and are believed to be responsible for at least one other break-in. They were identified as Dakota R. Bate, 20, of Joplin; Shawn U. Hency, 37, of Carthage; and Dakota D. Pliler, 19, of Joplin.

All three men face murder charges, since someone died during the commission of a felony.