Alphecca

84-Year-Old Kills Intruder

Another for the "Here's How It's Done" files. From the Indianapolis Star:

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- An 84-year-old man fatally shot a burglar breaking into his home, who then fell onto the elderly man, knocking him to the floor, police said.
The shooting of James Rosebush, 40, by Robert Birtwhistle was justified, St. Joseph County police said.

Birtwhistle said he was awakened about 1 a.m. Wednesday by the sound of someone trying to kick down his front door. He grabbed his handgun and went to investigate.

"He was trying to kick the front door in," Birtwhistle said. "I told him that if he didn't stop, he was going to get what was coming."

According to investigators, Rosebush eventually was able to break the door loose, prompting Birtwhistle to fire at least one shot through the door.
The shot mortally wounded Rosebush, who fell onto Birtwhistle and knocked him to the floor, police said.

Birtwhistle then called 911, and Rosebush was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Officers at first took Birtwhistle into custody, but later released him.