Metreon victim was killed after standing on escalator, not walking

Once they were down the escalator, an argument began. Witnesses said the youth threatened to open fire during the argument, saying, "I'll pop a cap in your ass."
The suspect told police that Price turned around and appeared to take a fighting position and that was when the 15-year-old got out the gun and fired."

There are some useful learning points from this encounter.

First of all we have a victimizer that is interested in status. This situation began as a hierarchical conflict, and the assailant could have probably be mollified by acting submissive. I don't relish or necessarily advocate capitulating to these sorts of people, but we have to recognize it as an option.

Secondly we have a verbal altercation at the bottom of the escalator, again this doesn't really serve much of purpose other than posturing for either party. In the course of this exchange the assailant makes a threat to shoot.

This is point of decision and the defenders options are run, fight, or die. The victims cousin believed that the assailant had a gun and repeatedly told the victim that they should just leave, so the threat was pretty credible.

Finally, squaring off and taking up a fighting stance are best left on the schoolyard and in martial arts competitions. If it's time to get your fight on, don't hesitate.

I am sorry for the family of the victim, he sounded like a nice kid.