ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. -
Prosecutors say an Essex Junction, Vermont homeowner was justified in killing an intruder.
On Tuesday, the Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan announced Shawn Garrett will not face any charges.
"There is no evidence to support that Mr. Garrett was engaging in some type of vigilante justice," says Donovan.
Donovan says, after considering all the facts, he thinks the killing was justified.
"The family is very thankful for the end result obviously," says Kurt Hughes, Garrett's attorney. "This event has really changed their lives forever."
For the first time, Donovan laid out what happened inside and outside the home in June.
He says Garrett was woken up by noises, grabbed a knife, and found 30-year old Ryan Morton-Lane inside his home, also armed with a knife. That's when prosecutors say Morton-Lane attacked.
"He warned Garrett that "I'll f****** kill ya" and made lunging motions with his hands," says Donovan.
Donovan says the fight moved outside and that's when Garrett stabbed Morton-Lane who eventually died.
Prosecutors say the killing on the front lawn was justified because Vermont law allows you to defend yourself if you think you could be harmed.
Though Donovan warned people not to take the law into their own hands.
"Certainly this is not an invitation for people to take up arms," says Donovan.
Prosecutors say their investigation continues into the case, including other people that might be involved.
They also say lab tests on Morton-Lane are not complete but he might have drinking before the break-in.
