Marty Roney

Montgomery Advertiser

PRATTVILLE –

The Autauga County Grand Jury has cleared a Booth homeowner in a case where she shot and killed an armed burglar who had forced his way inside her home.

The panel wrapped up deliberations Friday morning. The grand jury took no action against the unidentified homeowner, said District Attorney Randall Houston.

"There was no action taken, based on the circumstances. As far as we are concerned in the DA's office the case involving her is over," he said. "In Alabama, we have the Castle Doctrine. Whenever you are forced into a situation where you have to defend your home, you are authorized to use deadly force to defend yourself or others. That's what occurred in this case. The grand jury found that she did not violate any laws. That she acted reasonably under the circumstances."

The incident occurred on April 4 shortly after midnight. Reports from the Autauga County Sheriff's Office show that Mikel Smith, 18, of Marbury, forced his way into the home while armed with a knife. Smith had told the homeowner that his vehicle had broken down nearby and that he needed assistance, he then forced his way into the home, the reports show.

The woman had gone to the door, armed with a .32 cal. revolver, sheriff reports show. She shot Smith several times, the reports show.

At the time, deputies charged another man, who they feel was Smith's accomplice, with robbery in the case. Houston declined to comment on if that man has been indicted in connection with the case.

Grand jury indictments are secret until they are served on the defendant, or until the defendant is informed the indictment has been handed down, he said.