BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho — Christine Jenneiahn was asleep at her Idaho home when the silence of the night was broken by a man breaking into her house. According to the Bingham County Sheriff's Office, 85-year-old Jenneiahn was brutally assaulted and handcuffed by Derek Ephriam Condon before she was able to get her gun and shoot him in the chest, killing him.
He shot her back several times before he died. She was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover.
"That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible," Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolly stated. "Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night."
The Bingham County Sheriff's Office said they don't think the two knew each other and that it was a random incident. According to authorities, Condon broke into Jenneiahn's home on March 13 around 2 a.m.
In documents, Jenneiahn told prosecutors her disabled son was also in the house and that the intruder was wearing a military jacket and black ski mask and pointed a gun at her.
The review by the sheriff's office states that Jenneiahn was hit in the head and handcuffed while Condon was asking for valuables. She told him there were two safes in the basement. He repeatedly told her he would kill her.
The report states her memory is a bit fuzzy, but at some point she was able to get her own gun and hide it. When Condon came back into the room, Jolly's report states Jenneiahn "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 died in her kitchen.
The Bingham County Sheriff's Office posted his picture on social media prior to the end of the investigation.
Jenneiahn was left shot and handcuffed for around 10 hours until her son woke and she was able to call for help.
She was taken to the hospital, released and is recovering, according to East Idaho News.
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