An 85-year-old mother in Idaho and her disabled son were attacked by an intruder who broke into their home. However, the family was saved by the elderly mother’s quick thinking, as she was able to remember where she left her .357 Magnum revolver and retrieve that firearm before it was too late, then used the revolver to defend herself and her son from the intruder, shooting him dead.
According to a press release shared by the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the attack occurred on March 13, 2024. It was not until April 10, however, that Ryan Jolley, the local Bingham County Prosecutor, finished investigating the use of deadly force and determined that the mother’s application of deadly force was justified because it was in clear defense of herself and her son.
In the incident review, Prosecutor Ryan Jolley said, “This incident review concerns the home invasion and homicide of Derek Condon on March 13, 2024. My review is limited to only the following question: 1) Based on the information contained in the reports, video, photographs, search warrants, and witness statements; whether Christine Jenneiahn committed an act of justifiable homicide under Idaho Code section 18-4009?
This incident took place in the early morning hours on March 13, 2024 at approximately 2:00 am. The summary of facts presented here comes largely from Christine’s own statements which were corroborated through subsequent investigation.”
Continuing, describing what happened, he wrote, “Eighty-five-year-old Christine Jenneiahn was asleep in her home in Bingham County Idaho. The only other person lawfully in her home that morning was her disabled son David Jenneiahn. Christine stated she was woken up by an unknown man, later identified as Derek Condon, who was dressed in a military jacket, black ski mask, and pointing a gun and flashlight at her. Condon then placed Christine in handcuffs and took her into the living room of her house. Subsequent investigation indicates a strong likelihood that Condon struck Christine in the head as she lay in her bed, as there was blood on the pillow and floor in her room where she had been sleeping. She also reported he had hit her in the head at some point during the incident but was unsure of exactly when that took place. After taking Christine at gunpoint into the living room, Condon handcuffed her to a wooden chair. Condon then asked her where the valuables were kept in the home, and placed his pistol against her head after she told him she didn’t have much. After telling Condon that there were two safes downstairs in the home he left her handcuffed in the living room and went down stairs multiple times and rummaged through several rooms in the house. At some point he discovered that Christine’s son was also in the home and became angry with Christine for not telling him. He also made numerous threats to Christine telling her that he would kill her. At one point while Condon was downstairs, Christine drug the chair she was handcuffed to into her bedroom, and retrieved her 357 magnum revolver from under her pillow.”
Describing how she acted quickly once free to defend herself and her son, Jolley wrote, “She then went back into the living room and hid the revolver between the arm rest and cushion of a couch next to where she was seated and waited to see what Condon did next. Christine’s memory of exactly what occurred next remains somewhat unclear. She stated that at some point Condon came back into the living room and threatened to kill her as he continued to rummage through her home and burglarize it. She ultimately made the decision that it was “now or never” and drew her concealed 357 magnum and engaged Condon striking him with both her shots. Condon returned fire and emptied a 9mm pistol into Christine striking her multiple times in her abdomen, leg, arm, and chest. Condon then went into the adjoining kitchen where he died from his wounds. Christine fell to the floor still handcuffed in the living room where she remained for approximately 10 hours. She was ultimately able to call 911 after her son came upstairs later in the morning and gave her a phone so she could call 911. Deputies responded immediately at approximately 12:17 and provided lifesaving measures to her.”
He added, “Later investigation revealed a broken window in the back of the home and a screwdriver next to the door where Condon made entrance to the home. In addition, Condon’s car was located near Christine’s home with one set of footprints leading from the car in that direction. Condon had on his person a lock pick set, his car key, a handcuff key, and a bag containing items he had stolen from the residence.”
Then, getting to Idaho self defense law and why she was justified in using deadly force, Jolley wrote, “The law in Idaho regarding self defense is clear under Idaho Code section 19-202A. “No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting himself…” In addition, an individual acting in self defense is not required to “wait until he or she ascertains whether the danger is apparent or real,” and “need not retreat from any place that person has a right to be.” “A person may stand his ground and defend himself or another person by the use of all force and means which would appear to be necessary to a reasonable person in a similar situation and with similar knowledge without the benefit of hindsight.” Furthermore, Idaho code 18-4009 sets forth the instances wherein homicide is justifiable. Sections (a), (b), and (c) all appear to be met in this case. Subsection (a) allows for justifiable homicide “[when resisting any attempt to murder any person… or to do some great bodily injury upon any person. Subsection (b) states that homicide is justifiable “in defense of habitation… against one who manifestly intends or endeavors, by violence or surprise, to commit a felony…” Finally subsection (c) states that homicide is justifiable “[when committed in the lawful defense of such person, or of a wife or husband, parent, child, master, mistress or servant of such person, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design to commit a felony or to do some great bodily injury, and imminent danger of such design being accomplished.”
In the post accompanying the press release from Prosecutor Ryan Jolley, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office said, “Please take the time to read the attached release from Prosecutor Ryan Jolley in reference to the armed home invasion that occurred on March 13th 2024. It has been ruled as justifiable homicide. It is very detailed and does an excellent job at relaying the pertinent facts of the case. We appreciate the patience and understanding that has been displayed by the public in regards to this incident. Despite what some might think, details were not released to protect the integrity of the case and for proper procedure to be followed in the event of a loss of life. We take the same approach whether it is justifiable homicide by Law Enforcement or a civilian. There is always a lengthy, thorough, and detailed investigation warranted.”
Continuing, the post said, “Now that we are able to release the details, we wish to make it clear that our intention is not to defame the name of the suspect involved or make a tragedy for his family worse. We are simply releasing the facts of the case, and explaining that there was a victim involved that displayed heroism, fortitude, and a will to live that we’d be remiss not to share. We feel fortunate to know Christine and wish to thank her for her example at this time. We wish her well in her recovery and look forward to finding a way to honor her at a later date.”
Featured image credit: Bingham County Sheriff’s Office
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