TAYLOR COUNTY, FL — One man is dead after breaking into a home on Osteen Road in Perry, according to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials stated that the homeowner was awakened by the sound of glass breaking as someone forced their way through the front door. The incident occurred in the middle of the night, disturbing the homeowner and a female friend who were asleep in the same room.

The intruder, identified by deputies as the female friend’s husband, entered the bedroom where the homeowner quickly retrieved his legally-owned firearm and shot him. The intruder was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident and is collaborating with the State Attorney’s Office to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

While it is clear that the homeowner acted in self-defense during a home invasion, details about the relationship between the female friend and her husband remain unclear. It is not known if the couple was estranged or still married at the time of the incident. The situation raises important considerations about the complexities of domestic relationships and the potential for violent encounters during separations.

This incident underscores the importance of being prepared to defend oneself in one’s own home, especially in the face of a sudden and violent intrusion. Homeowners should ensure their homes are secure and remain vigilant about potential threats, keeping safety measures in place and being aware of the legal implications of using a firearm in self-defense.