(Source: JPD)JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The man arrested in the murder of a Jackson teen will likely claim self defense in the deadly shooting.
Twenty-five-year-old Cedric Ratliff did not make an initial appearance in court Friday.
Instead he was given a $50,000 bond, from the judge and District Attorney's office.
That bond amount is much lower than others given to those charged with murder.
Ratliff's relatives who were in court, say the shooting happened while he was protecting himself, from a group of young men trying to break into his home.
They say he actually knew the victim, who he tried to mentor in the past.
The teenage victim, 15-year-old Edward Evans was found behind a home on Barrett Avenue, a day after he had been reported missing.
Ratliff gave authorities a home address on Biloxi Street, which is several blocks from where Evan's body was found.
In Mississippi, homeowners can legally use deadly force to protect themselves on their properties, if they believe their lives are in danger, under the Castle Doctrine.
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