85-year-old Idaho woman fatally shot home intruder in 'heroic' act of self-defense

An 85-year-old woman from Idaho shot and killed an intruder in her home, which Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley described as "one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of."

In a case review, Jolley stated that the woman, identified as Christine Jenneiahn, acted in self-defense, ruling it a case of justifiable homicide.

Jenneiahn recounted being awakened by an intruder wearing a military jacket and a black ski mask, pointing a gun and flashlight at her while her disabled son was also at home. The intruder, Derek Condon, likely hit Jenneiahn in the head, as evidenced by blood on her pillow and floor. He then handcuffed her and took her to the living room at gunpoint, demanding her valuables.

Condon, angry about not finding much, threatened to kill Jenneiahn upon discovering her son in the home. As Condon searched downstairs, Jenneiahn retrieved her .357 Magnum revolver and concealed it, waiting for an opportunity. When Condon returned and threatened her again, she fired at him twice, hitting him.

In response, Condon shot Jenneiahn multiple times before dying in the kitchen. Jenneiahn, still handcuffed, remained on the floor until her son found her hours later. She called 911, and deputies arrived.

The subsequent investigation revealed evidence of Condon's break-in and theft. Based on Idaho's self-defense law, Jolley deemed Jenneiahn's actions justifiable, emphasizing her heroic act of self-preservation.

"This case presents an easy analysis of self-defense and justifiable homicide," Jolley concluded. "It also presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of."