If they were so afraid, why didn't they shoot HIM? Apparently in Florida you can do that.

Yes, I agree, dumb as a rock. He struck me all along as well-meaning, but not quite as swift as you'd want him to be if he was going to be that vigilant. It's quite sad what his brother-in-law said: that the guilt and self-hatred has gotten to him. All easily prevented by not carrying a gun around and playing Wyatt Earp. Where there are no guns, fewer people get shot.