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Home invasion robberies are a bit more common today than 20 or 50 years ago.
FITZ: I know --- I think that's the real problem. Drug addicts wanting their money for cocaine and crack, violent criminals not spending much time in prison.

One of my aged aunts shot a guy who had shovelled her walk before ... this time he came 'calling' at 4 AM ... she said several silent prayers though all this - and finally decided on her final 'course' of action when said she 'remembered' that "there was money in the closet". That's where she kept her late husband's gun.

Thinking fast, 85-year-old woman kills attacker with hidden handgun
Copyright 1997 Nando.net
Copyright 1997 The Associated Press
MUSKEGON, Mich. (Jan 2, 1997 5:54 p.m. EST) -- Threatened with rape by a ransacking intruder, 85-year-old Alberta Nicles thought fast and fired faster Thursday, riddling the man with bullets from a gun her late husband had hidden in the closet.
"I shot him and he's lying on the floor dead in the closet right next to my bedroom," Mrs. Nicles said later in a 911 call from a neighbor's house. "I shot him all over."
Mrs. Nicles told police she was awakened about 4 a.m. Thursday by the intruder, who apparently had cut the phone line and was ransacking the house.
"He took her around the house looking for money. They ended up back in her bedroom," said police Sgt. Jeff Felinski.
Mrs. Nicles told police the man removed her pajama pants. Then she remembered her late husband's handgun, which was in a holster hidden under blankets in a closet.
She told the intruder there was money in the closet. She grabbed the gun, stuck it in his stomach and began firing.
The slain man was identified as Michael Moore, 32, who had assault convictions and was awaiting trial on a home-invasion charge. Prosecutors said Mrs. Nicles paid him $5 last week to shovel snow from her walkway.
"He was planning on taking advantage of the vulnerability of an elderly person," said Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague. "I think we have a very courageous woman who handled herself better than most people half her age."
Tague said no criminal charges would be filed. Mrs. Nicles could not be reached for comment. A woman answering the phone hung up.

http://www.old-yankee.com/rkba/armcit/armc597.html