Woman Shoots and Kills Home Intruder in Tierra Verde

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.