Police: Man Killed Boy For Walking Across Yard

Obviously, this is a monstrous crime and Mr. Martin should be executed if convicted of the boy's murder. But once upon a time, a man who took care of his property and was proud of how it looked wasn't considered a crank and a lunatic.

Also, once upon a time, people respected others' property because they respected other people. That was a long time ago.

Police: Man Killed Boy For Walking Across Yard

An Ohio man who neighbors say was devoted to his meticulously kept lawn has been charged with murder in the shooting of a 15-year-old boy who apparently walked across his yard.

A 911 tape recorded 66-year-old Charles Martin as saying, "I just killed a kid." Martin also told a dispatcher, "I've been harassed by him and his parents for five years. Today just blew it up."

The child, Larry Mugrage, was Martin's neighbor.

According to police, Martin and Mugrage had a history of arguments about Martin's yard. The two argued again Sunday, police said, and when Mugrage returned, Martin was waiting outside and shot him twice.

He then called 911, officials said.

Martin: "I just killed a kid." 911 Operator: "You just killed a kid?" Martin: "Yes, ma'am."

Later, the operator asked Martin to explain what happened.

Martin: "Kids just been giving me a bunch of (expletive), making other kids harass me in my place, tearing things up."

911 Operator: "OK, so what'd you do?"

Martin: "I shot him with a (expletive) 4-10 shotgun twice."

911 Operator: "You shot him with a shotgun? Where is he?"

Martin: "He's laying in his yard."

Neighbors said Martin lived alone quietly, often sitting in front of his one-story home with its neat lawn, well-trimmed shrubbery and flagpole with U.S. and Navy flags flying.

Another neighbor described the victim as "a good kid."

Mugrage, a student at Glen Este High School, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Authorities said Martin has no prior criminal record, but he does have a history of complaints about neighbors allegedly damaging his property. Other teens from the neighborhood said Martin was obsessive about his lawn.

May God have mercy on both their souls.

Martin is scheduled to be back in a Clermont County court Thursday.