Neighbors debated whether Mrs. Braden's response was too harsh, with opinions divided on her actions. Witnesses acknowledged that Jesse was a notorious sinner who often behaved in ways that could provoke violence.
"The shooting itself was not so much at issue as Mrs. Braden's selection of anatomical targets." The crowd, including sober men, believed that spilling a drink and laughing insensitively did not warrant three bullets through Jesse's penis.