No charges for shooter in killing at Escambia County homeless camp

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- A 57-year-old man will not be charged after shooting and killing a 40-year-old man last week at an Escambia County homeless camp.

Sheriff Chip Simmons provided an update Tuesday morning on the incident from last Wednesday night at a homeless camp near the Texar underpass.

Deputies say 40-year-old Lorenzo Carstarphen died at the hospital after being shot at the homeless camp.

According to Sheriff Simmons,Carstarphen got into an altercation at the homeless camp with his girlfriend. He allegedly was beating her and cut her with a knife.

"Another transient seen this and she went to go get a gentleman by the name of Harry Jefferson," Sheriff Simmons said.

Sheriff Simmons explained that Jefferson came to the woman's defense, which is when Carstarphen pulled a knife on him. Jefferson then shot him in self-defense.

"Harry Jefferson felt his life was in danger or lives of others were in danger, and he fires a single round atCarstarphen," he said.

Sheriff Simmons said that after completing the investigation, Jefferson will not be charged inCarstarphen's death.

"We believe thatCarstarphen was the aggressor -- he beat his girlfriend, he cut his girlfriend and then he pulled a knife on Jefferson when Jefferson tried to come to her aid," he said. "You can protect yourself and others in Escambia County. And we find in this investigation the use of force to be justified. We have no intention of bringing charges against Jefferson."

Sheriff Simmons added thatCarstarphen had recently been involved in similar incidents of threatening and assaulting others, including one each on May 24 and May 25. He was also arrested on July 2 for allegedly pulling a knife on a McDonald's patron.

Jail records showCarstarphen was most recently arrested on Aug. 16 for battery.