Woman, 85, shoots, kills man in terrifying home invasion
(WJW) – An 85-year-old Idaho woman is being deemed a hero after she shot and killed an intruder inside her home.
According to a press release from Bingham County, Idaho Sheriff’s Office, the home invasion happened around 2 a.m. on March 13 when Derek Condon broke into the home of 85-year-old Christine Jenneiahn, who was asleep in her bed.
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According to the release Jenneiahn reported being woken up by an unknown man, later identified as Condon, who was dressed in a military jacket and black ski mask and pointing a gun and flashlight at her.
That is when Condon put her in handcuffs and took her to the living room of her house, where her handcuffed her to a wooden chair.
According to the release, investigations found that Condon most likely hit her in the head with his gun while she was in bed. Blood was found on her pillow and the floor of her bedroom.
Jenneiahn also reported to the sheriff’s office that she believed she hit her head at some point during the home invasion, but wasn’t sure what exactly happened.
According to the release, Jenneiahn reported that Condon asked where her valuables were and placed his pistol against her head after she said she didn’t have much. She then told him there were two safes downstairs.
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Condon when went downstairs multiple times and rummaged through several rooms.
At some point, Condon learned Jenneiahn’s disabled son was also inside the home and then became angry at her for not telling him.
At one point when Condon was downstairs, she dragged the chair she was handcuffed to to her bedroom to get her 357 magnum revolver from under her pillow, went back to the living room, and hid it in the couch.
“Christine’s memory of exactly what occurred next seems unclear,” the release said.
She told authorities she made the decision that it was “now or never” and drew her concealed 357 magnum and hit Condon with both of her shots.
Condon returned fire and emptied a 9mm pistol, hitting her multiple times in the abdomen, leg, arm and chest, according to the release.
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He then went into the kitchen, where he died from his gunshot wounds.
Jenneiahn fell to the floor, still handcuffed, where she remained for about 10 hours. She was able to call 911 after her son came upstairs later in the morning and gave her the phone, according to the release.
According to the Facebook post, Condon’s death has been ruled a justifiable homicide.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding that has been displayed by the public in regards to this incident. Despite what some might think, details were not released to protect the integrity of the case and for proper procedure to be followed in the event of a loss of life. We take the same approach whether it is justifiable homicide by Law Enforcement or a civilian. There is always a lengthy, thorough, and detailed investigation warranted,” the sheriff’s department said on its Facebook page, along with the release. “Now that we are able to release the details, we wish to make it clear that our intention is not to defame the name of the suspect involved or make a tragedy for his family worse. We are simply releasing the facts of the case, and explaining that there was a victim involved that displayed heroism, fortitude, and a will to live that we’d be remiss not to share.”
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