BINGHAM COUNTY, IDAHO — In a harrowing incident in Idaho, an 85-year-old woman, Christine Jenneiahn, defended herself and her disabled son by fatally shooting an intruder, in what has been declared a “justifiable homicide” by Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Jolley. The event occurred around 2 a.m. on March 13th when 39-year-old Derek Condon broke into Jenneiahn’s home, wearing a military jacket and a black ski mask while armed with a gun and flashlight.
Jolley described the scene, revealing that Condon handcuffed Jenneiahn to a chair and demanded to know the location of valuables. When she expressed having little of value, he menacingly placed his pistol on her head. Jenneiahn directed him to two safes in the basement. While Condon searched the house, Jenneiahn managed to retrieve a .357 magnum revolver from under her pillow. She concealed it in the living room and awaited Condon’s return.
The situation escalated when Condon discovered Jenneiahn’s son was also in the home, prompting him to threaten Jenneiahn’s life. Seizing a critical moment, Jenneiahn shot Condon twice, prompting him to fire back, hitting her multiple times. Condon subsequently died from his injuries in the kitchen.
Jenneiahn, seriously wounded and still handcuffed, remained on the floor for approximately 10 hours until her son found her and helped her call for emergency services. Arriving at around 12:17 p.m., deputies administered lifesaving measures. The investigation uncovered signs of forced entry and items stolen by Condon, including a lock pick set and a handcuff key found on his person.
Jolley highlighted Jenneiahn’s resilience and determination, crediting them as key factors in her survival. He affirmed that, had Condon survived, he would have faced severe charges, including attempted murder and burglary. This case stands as a stark example of self-defense and the profound will to survive under dire circumstances.
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