Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Jolley praised the 85-year-old Idaho mother who defended herself by shooting and killing a home intruder, calling it a “justifiable homicide” and one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation he has ever come across.
Derek Condon, a 39-year-old suspect, broke into the home of Christine Jenneiahn and her disabled son at approximately 2 a.m. on March 13th. Condon was armed with a gun and flashlight, and he was wearing a military jacket and a black ski mask. According to the document, he pointed the gun and flashlight at Jenneiahn during the incident.
Derek Ephriam Condon, 39, from the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, had a previous mugshot. (Bingham County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
According to Jolley, while Condon was downstairs, Christine took the initiative and moved the chair she was handcuffed to into her bedroom. She retrieved her 357 magnum revolver from under her pillow. Afterward, she returned to the living room and cleverly concealed the revolver between the armrest and cushion of a nearby couch. From there, she patiently waited to see how Condon would react.
Deputies responded to the residence in Bingham County, Idaho about ten hours after the reported intrusion by suspect Derek Condon.
According to the prosecutor’s statement, the victim’s recollection of the events that followed is somewhat hazy. However, she eventually reached a critical moment where she felt that it was the opportune time to take action. Without hesitation, she took out her firearm and fired two shots at Condon.
Jenneiahn remained on the floor, still handcuffed, for a duration of about 10 hours until her son discovered her and handed her a phone to dial 911. Deputies promptly arrived at around 12:17 p.m. and administered life-saving measures.
According to its website, Bingham County boasts a population of 37,000 within a 15-mile radius (Bingham County, Idaho Facebook).
“In the case review,” Jolley stated, “Condon was found in possession of a lock pick set, his car key, a handcuff key, and a bag with stolen items from the residence.”
According to the attorney, the case can be easily analyzed as an act of self-defense and justifiable homicide. He also mentioned that Jenneiahn’s courage, perseverance, and strong will to survive played a crucial role in saving her life on that fateful night.
If Condon had survived, Jolley stated that he would have accused him of numerous felonies, including attempted murder, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated battery, and grand theft.
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