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Prosecutor: Shooting of inmate who killed bailiffs, security officer was justified

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ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – The Berrien County Prosecutor says that the shooting of an inmate at the courthouse in July was justified.

Larry Gordon was shot and killed at the courthouse on July 11after he grabbed a deputy’s gun from his holster, shot him and killed two others.

Deputy James Atterberry was wounded after having his gun taken from him by Gordon.  Bailiff Ronald Kienzle and Chief of Courthouse Security Joseph Zangaro were shot and killed by Gordon.

Gordon had been in the lockup at the courthouse and was awaiting a hearing in court for a domestic violence charge.  He was also facing a possible life in prison sentence for holding a teen girl against her will and other charges.

Gordon was shot twice in the chest.  A hostage that Gordon was holding was also wounded in the shootout in the courthouse.  The person was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

For the complete report, click here.