85-Year-Old Idaho Woman Hailed as "Hero" Fought Off Armed Man During Home Invasion

Photo: (Photo : JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images )

An 85-year-old woman from Idaho is being exalted as a "hero" after she protected herself against an armed invader who purportedly handcuffed her, assaulted her, and threatened her life numerous times.

85-Year-Old Woman Fights Off Armed Man During Home Invasion

Christine Jenneiahn, who lives near Blackfoot, Idaho, managed to survive the frightening ordeal by shooting the purported assailant, 39-year-old Derek Condon, with her .357 Magnum, ultimately resulting in his death.

Jenneiahn recounted waking up around 2 a.m. on March 13 to discover a stranger standing over her bed wearing military attire and a ski mask, armed with a gun and a flashlight.

The intruder, suspected to be Condon, allegedly entered the home by breaking a window and then proceeded to pistol-whip Jenneiahn before handcuffing her to a chair and demanding to know the location of valuables in her home.

Despite being restrained, Jenneiahn managed to retrieve her handgun from under her pillow and hid it near her as she waited for an opportunity to defend herself.

When Condon returned and threatened her life once more, Jenneiahn seized her chance and fired at him, hitting him twice. In the exchange of gunfire, Jenneiahn sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

After Condon collapsed and died in the kitchen, Jenneiahn remained handcuffed and injured for 10 hours until her disabled son found her and helped her call to call 911.

Authorities determined that Jenneiahn's actions were justifiable under Idaho's "stand your ground law," citing her need to protect herself and her son from imminent danger.

Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Jolley ratified Jenneiahn's braveness and survival intuition, intensifying that her actions were required for self-preservation.

He noted that if Condon had survived, he would have faced accusations including attempted killing, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated battery, and grand theft.

Authorities discovered burglary tools and items from Jenneiahn's home with Condon, supporting Jenneiahn's account of the situation.

Jolley stated that Jenneiahn's actions constituted a "justifiable homicide" under Idaho law, emphasizing her right to defend herself and her son.

He praised her resilience and determination, stating that her survival was remarkable and justified by the circumstances of the encounter.

Read Also: Mother of Michigan School Shooting Victim Describes Crumbley Parents Apology 'A Disgraceful Thing'

Suspect of Home Invasion Remains at Large

A male in his twenties was badly shot in the face during a home invasion on the North Side of the city late Wednesday night, as reported by San Antonio police.

Police were warned around 11:30 p.m. to the Tuscany Park Apartments in the 1200 block of Patricia Drive, near Blanco Road and West Avenue, after reports of a person wounded.

According to authorities, a person forcibly entered a second-story apartment after knocking and proceeded to shoot the victim in the face with a rifle. Subsequently, the man staggered before collapsing outside his apartment. Sadly, he later succumbed to his wounds.

A woman and a child were currently inside the apartment during the firing, but fortunately, neither sustained wounds. The woman managed to hide in a closet during the shooting.

SAPD indicated a lack of detailed suspect descriptions. A suspect reportedly escaped the location in a white sedan post-shooting and remains at large.

The identity of the victim has not been revealed, and the motive behind the gunfire remains mysterious.

The incident was reponded by the San Antonio Police Department, along with the San Antonio Fire Department and EMS. Authorities are conducting further investigation into the matter.

Related Article: Father Confronts Unclad Intruder Disturbing Child's Room, Police Report

© 2024 ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Join the Discussion
Real Time Analytics