LINCOLN, Calif. — A man arrested earlier this week in connection to the death of his neighbor is being released from jail as police continue to investigate and review evidence around the case.
The Lincoln Police Department said Emmanuel Mbaya Lasu, 50, was arrested Tuesday night following an altercation with his neighbor, Jonathan Michael Williams, who was found dead inside Lasu's home along Earlton Lane.
Lasu was taken into custody and booked into Placer County Jail and was facing a murder charge.
Police said Williams was shot inside the home, but further investigation is needed to determine the details and circumstances of the shooting. Police added an investigation is necessary to know why Williams was inside the home, why the shooting occurred, and whether he was lawfully inside the house when it happened.
According to police, a homeowner is legally allowed to use deadly force inside their own home if they acted in self defense or if they were injured from an intruder who used force. Police said charges must be filed within 48 hours after the arrest if evidence suggest a crime happened or the person arrested must be released.
The initial investigation started when officers arrived and will continue after all evidence was gathered to "enable a full and fair evaluation" and make a decision on a charge. Police said an initial arrest was standard, but in contrast, a decison to charge Lasu can only be made if evidence determines a crime was committed without lawful self-defense.
"In this unique case, further investigation is necessary to make the changing decision," police said.
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