Malevolent caretaker.(Exercising The Right)

Three or four years ago, James Butler and wife Elizabeth began employing neighbor James Brown to do occasional odd jobs around their home in Rolla, Missouri. Brown, who lived just down the road from the Butlers, did satisfactory work and things seemed fine until about a year ago, when the couple caught him peeking in windows. After that, their relationship rapidly deteriorated.

Brown began making threats and unwanted phone calls, and more than once broke into the Butler home while the couple was away. On Christmas Eve last year, when Mrs. Butler returned home and found Brown inside, the erstwhile caretaker attacked and slightly injured her. Based on complaints filed by the Butlers, Phelps County authorities sought Brown on charges including burglary, trespassing and resisting arrest. Brown, however, eluded sheriff's deputies.

Shortly before 11 p.m. on February 6, Brown once again showed up at the Butler residence, this ...