I've seen other controversies like this, often involving real police and not a "watchman."
It takes a lot of time to wait out the facts, with both sides grinding axes down to the handle. Conclusions are jumped to. Things are covered up. Even later, many times no incontrovertible evidence ever shows for either side.
I have never heard of a formal neighborhood watch that goes armed. Most speak against it. I have heard of watch personnel equipped with police radios, and sometimes pepper spray.