Armed Intruder Shot and Killed

Forensic teams are looking into what appears to be a clear cut case of self defense.

At about 5 a.m. Thomas "T.C." Thompson, an alleged intruder, made his way into a Vero Beach home on 74th Avenue, by prying open the front window and popping out the screen.

Inside police say Thomspon held 2 knives threatening a mother of 2, Joanne Hornsby, laying in bed.  She screamed, and detectives with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office said there was some type of struggle, her sons, Austin and Roger, ages 19 and 20 began to fight the intruder.

The youngest son, Austin pulled out a shotgun and fired on shot at Thompson.  Thompson was found dead on the screened-in porch, said police.

"You have no idea the stress I am under right now. Seriously. This is my home. Go away!," Austin yelled at our news crew.

"We foudn no drugs there, no cash inside. (Thompson) Broke into the house armed with 2 knives. He was at the foot of her bed when she woke up and screamed," said Detective Chris Cassanari at a news conference, "There was no conversation she just screamed, saw the knife and woke up her 2 sons."

Neighbors say there have been a lot of break-ins lately.

Officials say Thompson also admitted to stealing copper from a Home Depot store this week.  Thompson's friends and girlfriend were at the crime scene this morning. He has a son, and his fiancee is pregnant. Thompson's friends say he was recently laid off from his welding job, and needed cash to make his mortgage payments. His friends did not knwo why he targeted this specific home on 74th Avenue.
    
“I know they have tried to break in houses on this street yes,” said neighbor Don Dupuis. “My neighbor across the street had his truck stolen right in his driveway."
There are varying reports as to whether the intruder was shot in the back or on his way out of the home.

It does not matter under the Castle Doctrine. Detectives say if there was an intruder the family has every right to defend itself inside their home.