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Shooting at AA meeting was justified

COLUMBIA, S.C. - A South Carolina prosecutor says an attorney was justified when he shot and killed a robber at an Alcoholics Anonymous club in Columbia earlier this year.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - A South Carolina prosecutor says an attorney was justified when he shot and killed a robber at an Alcoholics Anonymous club in Columbia earlier this year.

The State reported yesterday that prosecutor Barney Giese concluded that James Corley, 61, acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Kayson Helms, 18, of Edison, N.J.

Giese's decision means no charges will be filed.

The prosecutor says Helms pulled a pistol when he entered the club April 11 and took the cell phone of one of the people.

Giese says Corley protected himself and others in the club.

Corley's name was not released earlier because of fears of retribution. Giese says he found no threat and thought it was important for the public to know all the facts.

Corley says he knew he would be cleared. *