American CultureOpinion & Editorial

85-Year-Old Idaho Woman, Handcuffed and Threatened, Turns Tables on Attacker with .357 Magnum

An 85-year-old mother in Idaho found herself in a harrowing situation that led to what the county prosecutor deemed “justifiable homicide.” Christine Jenneiahn, facing an armed intruder who threatened her life multiple times, made the split-second decision to defend herself and her home, resulting in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Derek Condon.

According to a detailed incident review authored by Bingham County prosecutor Ryan Jolley, Jenneiahn’s actions were described as “one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation” he had encountered. The confrontation unfolded around 2 a.m. on March 13, when Condon forcibly entered Jenneiahn’s residence in Blackfoot, southeastern Idaho, jolting her from her sleep. The review recounts how Condon, clad in a military jacket and black ski mask, brandished a gun and flashlight, instilling fear and threatening Jenneiahn’s life.

Following an extensive investigation into the matter, the review highlighted compelling evidence suggesting that Condon had physically assaulted Jenneiahn while she was in bed, as indicated by bloodstains discovered on her pillow and bedroom floor. Subsequently, Condon restrained Jenneiahn with handcuffs and relocated her to the living room, as detailed in the legal documentation.

The circumstances surrounding the incident underscored the intense danger Jenneiahn faced and the split-second decision-making required in moments of peril. The prosecutor’s review recognized Jenneiahn’s actions as a last resort to protect herself from imminent harm, ultimately resulting in the tragic outcome for Condon.

As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in cases of self-defense. Jenneiahn’s ordeal highlights the profound stakes involved when individuals are forced to confront threats to their safety and underscores the critical role of law enforcement and legal authorities in assessing the justifiability of such actions.

Once in the living room, Condon handcuffed Jenneiahn to a wooden chair and demanded she tell him where the valuables were kept in her home, according to Jolley’s review. When Jenneiahn told Condon that she “didn’t have much,” the burglar placed the gun against her head, the document continued.

Jenneiahn eventually told Condon about two safes downstairs, which led to him leaving her handcuffed in the living room while he went to check several rooms multiple times, according to the review.

While checking downstairs, Condon realized that Jenneiahn’s disabled son was also in the home, Jolley’s review says. This led to Condon becoming angry with Jenneiahn because she did not tell him anyone else was in the house, according to the document.

“(Condon) also made numerous threats to Christine telling her that he would kill her,” Jolley said in the incident review.
Christine Jenneiahn shot burglar while handcuffed, prosecutor says

At some point when Condon was downstairs, Jenneiahn dragged the chair she was handcuffed to into her bedroom and got her .357 Magnum from under her pillow, according to the incident review. The mother then returned to the living room and hid the gun between the armrest and cushion of a couch next to where she was seated and waited to see what Condon did, the legal document continued.

Jenneiahn told prosecutors her recollection of what happened next is “somewhat unclear,” Jolley said in the review. She did recall Condon coming back to the living room and threatening to kill her as he continued to burglarize her home, according to the county prosecutor.

During the chaos, Jenneiahn ultimately decided that it was “now or never” so she pulled out her revolver and shot Condon twice, the review says. Condon would return fire, shooting Jenneiahn multiple times in her abdomen, leg, arm and chest, the document continued.

After returning fire, Condon went into the kitchen and died from his wounds, Jolley said in the review. A still-handcuffed Jenneiahn fell to the floor and remained there for 10 hours, according to the prosecutor

Her son ultimately found her and gave her the phone to call police. The killing was ultimately ruled “justifiable homicide,” with Bingham County prosecutor Ryan Jolley stating that “any reasonable person would believe it necessary” to do what Jenneiahn did:

“That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible,” Jolley said. “Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night … Christine was justified in taking any and all means necessary to defend herself and her son that night. “

George Rowe

I'm shrewd, passionate, learned and energetic, God-fearing and patriotic. I've done a fine job reintroducing good old American conservatism to a new generation of Americans. I've earned the love and friendship of many, the hatred of some, but the respect of all.

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