Accused killer a no-show at initial hearing

Six of Keith Peterson's family members filled the front bench in court Thursday, but the man accused of killing him wasn't there.

[Jennifer Madruga]

In Great Falls-defending yourself is called murder. I am sorry that someone died-a person with a violent history beating someone down in their own home.I would have to say-that if the same situation happened in my home-I would also shoot. Call the police-when you live in the country it's gonna take a while for them to show-up. Hopefully you aren't beat to death before they show up to arrest you.

[Kevin Peterson]

Keith is not here to tell his side of the story
So think next time you make a statement jenny

[Greg]

The facts are the facts Kevin. If you come into my home and threaten me with any kind of bodily injury I am going to have to agree with Jennifer, I'd shoot. My condolences for your loss sir but a main factor of human life is self preservation. And if the individual shot first then he will get what is coming. I am not agreeing with the suspects actions I am agreeing with Jennifer's point of view. If someone came into my home and threatened me I wouldn't turn my back to the person unless I needed to in order to arm myself.

[Jennifer Madruga]

I have been following the case-a loss of life is horrible in any situation-I realize that Keith is not here to tell his side of the story I also understand that the Prosecution asked for the death penalty--what a terrible tragedy. We do have the right to defend ourselves against attack. I also understand that the individual being prosecuted was featured in an article a few months before because his daughter is sufferig from a debilitating and deadly disease. Luckily none is being prosecuted in her case.