'She didn't give up': 85-year-old woman in Idaho kills home intruder
New details have emerged about a home invasion in Bingham County, Idaho, where an elderly woman, despite being severely injured, managed to kill the intruder who was known to her.
Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolly said that Derek Condon targeted the home of 85-year-old Christine Jenneiahn, and he was prepared to commit acts of violence or even kill when he entered her home.
"(Jenneiahn) knew (Condon's) brother more than him, but he was known to her. He had interacted with her, both at her pawn shop, her business that she owned and, you know, also had some interaction at the gun range with her," Jolly said. "It appears that he picked her specifically because he knew her and knew that she likely would have valuables in her home."
The break-in occurred on March 13. A local news station was on the scene when law enforcement responded to the call. According to the prosecutor's office, on the night of the break-in, the intruder, Condon, came prepared with a ski mask, rope, two pairs of handcuffs, and multiple firearms. He also parked his car far enough down the road from the victim's home so it wouldn't be seen.
"She took the steps to defend herself because she didn't know if anybody else would," Jolly said. "And then I find it also heroic that she didn't give up once. Once she fired and then he started firing on her. She didn't give up. Even though she was hit multiple times. She stayed there. She kept fighting for her life."
The prosecuting attorney stated that Jenneiahn acted in justifiable self-defense and they would not be seeking any charges. Officials also tell us that she is currently in a recovery center and is expected to be OK, which at her age, the prosecuting attorney said is nothing short of incredible.
"Thirty-nine-year-old Derek Condon died from his injuries. Jenneiahn acted in justifiable self-defense and we will not seek any charges," the attorney said.