In the heart of Nashville, an octogenarian liquor store owner turns the tide on relentless criminal attacks, using her Second Amendment rights as a powerful shield and a weapon, her story intertwining the threads of vulnerability, self-defense, and the raw determination to protect what’s hers.
May Boyce, an elderly Nashville liquor store owner, exemplifies the spirit of the Second Amendment and the will to protect oneself and one’s property, even in the face of persistent threats. Having been injured in a previous robbery, Boyce decided it was time to let would-be thieves know that she was not a woman to be trifled with.
In a world that seems increasingly perilous, especially for vulnerable citizens like Boyce, she found solace in her constitutional right to bear arms. This 88-year-old widow, all of the 5-foot-3-inches and a mere 115 pounds may not appear formidable to those with nefarious intentions. But her audacious resolve and reliance on her Second Amendment rights transformed her from prey to a defiant defender of her store, Murfreesboro Road Liquor, and Wines.
The petite but feisty Boyce found herself victimized by shoplifters far too often, possibly due to her apparent vulnerability. Yet, refusing to remain a victim, she armed herself, determined to safeguard her personal welfare and her business.
She recounted to the New York Post that she had been a victim of several robberies, even suffering a wrist injury in one incident. Tired of living in fear, Boyce chose action over acquiescence.
On a fateful Tuesday evening, Boyce’s resolve was put to the test when two suspicious-looking men entered her store. As one of them approached her in a threatening manner, it became clear to Boyce that they were there to rob her. She promptly picked up her .38 Smith & Wesson snub-nose revolver, effectively communicating her readiness to defend herself and her business.
Despite her clear intent to protect her property, Ramon Fisher allegedly tried to take off with a few bottles of Crown Royale. In response, Boyce says she had no choice but to fire her weapon, hitting Fisher as he fled the scene.
Speaking to The Post from her store, she stated, “I did what I had to do, and I hope word gets out on the street that I’m fed up and I’m not taking it anymore.” This sentiment underscores the frustrations many business owners feel, demonstrating the urgency of standing up for oneself.
Even though Boyce didn’t intend to shoot Fisher, she firmly stands by her actions, declaring, “After you’ve been played for a fool by people stealing from you for years, you get fed up. And don’t put me in the category of a little old lady. I know how to take care of myself.” Her warning shot, though unintentionally hitting Fisher, reflected her grit and determination to no longer be an easy target.
After the incident, Boyce voluntarily reported to the police station and cooperated fully with the authorities. Displaying her relentless dedication to her business, she was back at her storefront soon after posting a $10,000 bond.
“I went down, got my mugshot taken, got out on bond and came right back to the store,” she said, underlining her resolve and unwavering spirit.
Upon investigation, Fisher, who was treated for his gunshot wound at Vanderbilt Hospital, confessed to intending to steal from Boyce, also admitting to being high on cocaine and alcohol during the incident. Boyce was charged with aggravated assault, sparking a debate on an individual’s right to protect their life and property.
Authorities confiscated Boyce’s firearm, informing her that it could take up to two years before she could have it back. In response to this, Boyce’s sardonic humor shone through as she quipped, “I told ’em, s–t, I might be dead by then. But the law’s the law.”
The outpouring of support for Boyce, both from her patrons and social media users, has been significant. Despite her arrest, she remains undeterred and continues to work with unwavering dedication. Her story has ignited conversations around self-defense rights and serves as a powerful reminder to potential thieves that people have the right to protect themselves and their property.
Sources: AWM, New York Post