In a harrowing incident that unfolded in the quiet town of Rose, Idaho, an 85-year-old woman, Christine Jenneiahn, was forced to defend herself and her disabled son during a home invasion. The Bingham County Prosecutor’s Office has since ruled the fatal shooting of the intruder as a "justifiable homicide."
In the early hours of March 13, Jenneiahn was awakened by an intruder, later identified as 39-year-old Derek Ephriam Condon of Blackfoot. According to the Bingham County Prosecutor’s Office, the elderly woman was threatened, assaulted, and handcuffed to a chair by Condon, who was dressed in a military jacket and a black ski mask. The invader demanded valuables and threatened to kill her.
Jenneiahn, however, demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. When Condon left her alone to rummage through the house, she managed to retrieve her .357 Magnum revolver, which was hidden under her pillow. She then concealed the weapon between the armrest and cushion of a couch, waiting for Condon's return.
Upon his return, Condon continued to threaten Jenneiahn's life. It was at this point that she decided it was "now or never," and fired at Condon, hitting him in the chest. Despite being shot multiple times herself, Jenneiahn survived the encounter. Condon, however, succumbed to his injuries in the kitchen.
The Bingham County Prosecutor, Ryan Jolley, praised Jenneiahn's actions, stating, "This case presents an easy analysis of self-defense and justifiable homicide. It also presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have heard of." He added that any reasonable person would believe it necessary to defend themselves or their disabled child under such circumstances.
Jolley further stated that Jenneiahn's survival was "truly incredible," attributing her survival to her grit, determination, and will to live. He also noted that if Condon had survived, he would have faced multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated battery, and grand theft.
The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office echoed Jolley's sentiments, expressing admiration for Jenneiahn's fortitude and heroism. They stated, "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."
Jenneiahn, who was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, has since been released and is currently recovering. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the power of self-defense and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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