Woman Who Fatally Shot Home Invader In Lithia Is Pregnant

LITHIA, FL —Pregnant and frightened, a Lithia woman still had the presence of mind to grab a rifle in the home and defend her family when two robbers broke in.

At 8:44 p.m. on Oct. 30, the family, who lives in a rural area in the 100 block of Old Welcome Road, were settling in for the night when two men busted through their front door.

"Two unknown males broke in and made demands of them," said Hillsborough County Sheriff's Maj. Frank Losat. "The male victim, who is the homeowner, began to get pistol-whipped and beat up."

See related story: Robber Killed By Lithia Woman During Home Invasion

Homeowner Jeremy King, his wife, who is eight months pregnant, and their 11-year-old daughter were in the home at the time.

King said the robbers, both armed with handguns, began assaulting him. He was later taken to the hospital to be treated for a fractured eye socket, a fractured sinus cavity, 20 stitches and a concussion.

The robbers most likely assumed that King was the biggest threat. They didn't count on King's wife who grabbed the AR-15-style rifle in the home and went on the defensive. She shot one of the robbers, causing both men to retreat from the home.

"During that incident, the female homeowner retrieved a firearm, which was in the house legally, and fired one round," said Losat.

The robber who was shot was discovered by deputies lying dead in a ditch near the house.

Despite using K9 dogs and the sheriff's helicopter to search for the second robber, he managed to get away.

In accordance with Marsy's Law, the sheriff's office has not released the names of the dead robber or the woman who shot him. King voluntarily came forward to reveal his identity to the media.

He believes he's alive because of his wife's bravery.

"She kept them from killing me," he said.

Losat said the family was probably targeted by the robbers.