Wrongful death of Lance Claunch

My name is Amy Miles and I am advocating for Lance Claunch and his family. He originally lived in Falfurrias, TX with his Mother, oldest sister, two older brothers and younger sister, also we all grew up together. Lance was a 23yr old boy who on 5/23/16 was fatally shot. Two days later on 5/25/16 he was pronounced brain dead. His family is desperately hurting and overwhelmed by losing their son/brother. In addition to their loss this case has been mishandled. Lance’s name was leaked to the media before the family was notified. Neither the police or the hospital notified his family, it was his best friend that told them. Also, he has been misportrayed in the media. According to the detective we know Lance went to a concert to celebrate his birthday which was four days before the incident. A homeowner saw him in his backyard and Lance immediately left without any altercation. The homeowner went inside and got his gun. The homeowner saw Lance’s best friend outside with a flashlight looking for him. The best friend asked the homeowner if he had seen Lance and the homeowner said that if Lance came back he would shoot him.  The best friend begged the homeowner not to, offered to give him his phone number so he could pick him up, and the homeowner refused to take his number. After Lance’s best friend left to continue looking for him approximately half a block away police and Lance’s best friend heard two gun shots.  The homeowner admitted to going into his front yard with a loaded weapon and staying outside because he was “waiting for his family”. It is our belief that Lance was looking for his friend when the homeowner saw Lance and made good on his threat. There was an altercation (Lance was unarmed). Lance had some military background and according to a witness Lance was pinning the homeowners arms down and yelled “I’m not going to let you do this to me.” The homeowner intended to hit but missed the first time, there was no warning shot as it stated in the media. The second time he fired he shot Lance in the neck and severed his carotid artery. The detective on the case told Lance’s mother and family that he feels sorry for the homeowner and that he is 99% sure that it will not go to trial. He told them this on the day Lance was pronounced brain dead. The family had not seen or spoken to the detective prior to anything. We feel Lance was the one trying to defend himself because we know he would not attack anyone unless he felt he was in immediate danger. We all need to stand up and speak for Lance since he cannot do it for himself anymore.

Allow me to give you some insight into the type of person Lance was. Approximately in 2001 the family moved to Oklahoma where Lance graduated from Yukon High School. Shortly after high school he joined the United States Army where he was training to be a Calvary Scout. However, he was injured one week prior to his graduation and was honorably discharged.

Lance was an energetic, fun, enthusiastic, and outgoing individual. His positive energy was contagious. He loved infinitely and accepted all. He was the kind of guy who would go out of his way to make sure everyone had a friend. He stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves.

He was incredibly kind, loving, and generous.  Two months ago Lance met the love of his life. Lance was taken from us on 05/25/2016. Although that did not stop him from providing a wonderful example. He saved 5 lives by donating his organs and gave the gift of sight with the donation of his eyes. For those who have been accusing him of being a thug, Lance was never in trouble. He never had anything more than a speeding ticket. He had a steady job and a loving family friends. Since when is it a crime to celebrate your birthday.

 We are striving for $8,000, I'm sure isn't nearly enough of what they'll need in the days, weeks, and years to come for the lost time at work, medical bills, and attorney fees taking his killer to trial, but anything and everything will be a blessing to them. Please, let's pull together and show this family, our family, that they're not alone even if it's to pay for a meal in this time of need, and that Lance shouldn't die in vain because of their financial status. Whenever the family may be in need, I will withdraw the funds and hand them over to his mother to help with the accruing medical bills and funeral processions. Thank you all for your help, every bit keeps this hurting family afloat.