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Woman Shoots and Kills Home Intruder in Tierra Verde

The suspect forced his way into the home, attacked the woman and attempted to carry her up the stairs. She began to scream. The man heard the screams and came downstairs to see what was happening.

 

TIERRA VERDE - A woman shot and killed a 42-year-old suspect, who allegedly tried to force his way into a Tierra Verde home, just before dawn on Saturday.

Albert F. Hill of Madeira Beach was fatally wounded, after he tried to rob a couple at 863 3rd Ave. South, Tierra Verde, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

The victims of the home invasion are a man and woman whose names are being withheld pending further investigation, the Sheriff's Office said.

County records show the $400,000 house is owned by Robert Planthaber. A company called Private Limos also had listed the home as it address, with Planthaber as an owner.

According to detectives, the couple was sleeping at about 3 a.m. Saturday, March 12, when there was a knock at the door. The woman answered the door.

The suspect forced his way into the home, attacked the woman and attempted to carry her upstairs. She began to scream. The man heard the screams and came downstairs to see what was happening.

Detectives say the suspect then ordered the man to give him money. A struggle began between the suspect and the male victim. The woman was able to get away, went to the bedroom for a firearm, and returned and shot the suspect.

According to detectives, the suspect attempted to get away, but collapsed at
the front door.

The suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Albert F. Hill, was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives assigned to the Sheriff's Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating the case.

Both the male and female victims sustained minor injuries in the attack. Detectives say the victims of the home invasion/robbery, were specifically targeted. The relationship between Hill and the victims is still unclear.



About this column: Public safety is everyone's business. It may not take place in your neighborhood, but a city's welfare concerns all residents. Here's a look at emergency calls and responses in St. Petersburg.

SandhillsRider

10:19 pm on Saturday, March 12, 2011

The anti- gunners will roil in angst that two law abiding citizens chose to protect themselves instead of allowing themselves to be robbed and murdered.

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jwooww london

7:41 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012

The home-owner is not a law abiding citizen. He is a troubemaker and is not unfamiliar with being in trouble with the law. How little the media knows and reports!

Roland Martino

9:37 am on Sunday, March 13, 2011

What would have happened if they did not have a gun in the house? This was certainly justified and deserved

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Hall Palmer

2:08 pm on Sunday, March 13, 2011

Was the intruder armed? This man was arrested on March 8 for felony theft and released on $1000 bond within hours. It took him very little time to find some more trouble and I find it hard to grieve for his loss, but based on the facts reported it is not clear that he presented a deadly threat. The homeowner was certainly entitled to defend her home.

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Rico E

9:02 am on Sunday, March 20, 2011

Thank your Florida legislators for the fact that these people who defended themselves will not be the targets of civil lawsuit by the family of the deceased "victim" (love how they use that word to describe the guy who chose to enter the home by force).

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Randy Graber

11:09 am on Monday, March 21, 2011

While trying to search for this article I tyoed "woman shoots home invader" Wow you wouldn't believe the amount of articles where this happens around the country. Thank you Florida legisatiors for allowing this Woman and her husband to live another day!

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