The MSM ain’t gonna play it this way but I don’t think race was a factor. Obviously they felt they were virtually living under siege with numerous thefts they believed perpetrated by the dead guy, whom the elder McMichael had arrested nearly ten years back in high school.

If it had been a skinny White meth-head (notorious thieves all over rural America) running down the street and suspected of numerous theft I believe the McMichaels woulda reacted the same way.

Unfortunately the Mc Michaels apparently never worked out a plan as to what to do if they caught up with either.

"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744