Man who thought neighbour's house was his own 'kills homeowner thinking he was an intruder'

Police believe Michael Augustine choked Clifton King while drunk

Michael Augustine has been charged with manslaughter (Raytown Police Department)

A man has been charged with killing his neighbour after reportedly mistaking his victim’s house for his own and choking the homeowner to death, fearing he was an intruder.

Police believe Michael Augustine, 43, was drunk when he allegedly choked 60-year-old veteran Clifton King outside his home in Raytown, Missouri, according to WDAF-TV.

King died in his front garden on Friday night after coming to his door to find Augustine trying to get inside.

Augustine called the police to report he had an intruder in a choke hold, but when officers arrived they found no one at the address. Instead they found the pair about a block up the street at King’s property.

Neighbours said Augustine believed King’s house was his own, and that King was an intruder.

Police said Augustine slurred his speech and officers noted a strong smell of alcohol, according to court documents.

"He served our country and that was not an honourable way to treat him," a woman who did not want to be identified told Fox 4. "I think that it’s sad. It’s sad! Someone had to give up their life because someone was so messed up they didn’t know it wasn’t their home."

Neighbours told the news channel they had found King friendly and kind since he moved in.

Augustine has been charged with first degree involuntary manslaughter. Neighbours said he had posted bail and moved out of the area.