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Man in fatal shooting of intruders faces at least 15 years in prison for gun, drug charges

TACOMA, Wash. — A 36-year-old Pierce County man who shot and killed two intruders at his home where an illegal pot grow was found was arrested late Wednesday after he was indicted last week on a variety of drug and gun charges, authorities said.

Police said Jeremy Capodanno fatally shot two men who broke into the garage of his Puyallup home on Dec. 6.

Investigating officers said they found nearly 200 pot plants growing in the garage loft.

Prosecutors said Capodanno was in possession of a Glock 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol that he used to kill the two men, who were also armed.  See photos from the scene

While searching Capodanno's truck, police found other weapons including a Bushmaster XM-15 Rifle, Intratec Tec-9 9mm pistol, Benelli 12 gauge shotgun and a Professional Ordnance MDL Carbon 15.

"This defendant chose to enter the illegal drug business, and armed himself to protect his trade, not his home," said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. "His conduct brought thieves to his door, put his 7-year-old son at risk and ended with him taking two lives."

Capodanno was indicted for manufacturing marijuana and two counts for discharging and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug crime.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which means the government will seek to forfeit property that the Grand Jury alleges was used to commit crimes or was purchased with marijuana proceeds.

The properties include Capodanno's large house in Puyallup, where the where the shooting occurred, a second house in Kent, a 2008 Mercedes, a 2008 Toyota pickup and his firearms.

The sentence range for a conviction for manufacturing marijuana is five to 40 years in prison. If convicted of all charges, Capodanno would be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison.

KIRO

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