JOLIET, ILLINOIS – A Joliet mother who was home alone with her infant shot a paroled burglar after he forced his way into her home late at night. The woman hid her baby in a bedroom closet and armed herself with a handgun before the intruder, identified as Shelby Hurd, entered the room. Police treated the incident as a justified self-defense shooting, and the woman faces no charges.
Mother Hides Baby in Bedroom Closet as Intruder Breaks In
The woman was alone with her infant when Hurd forced entry into the Joliet home late at night. The house was quiet when the intruder got inside. Her first move was to protect her baby by hiding the child in a bedroom closet.
She then armed herself with a handgun. Her quick decisions came in a matter of moments. When Hurd entered the bedroom, she shot him in the head. The exact date of the incident and Hurd’s condition were not included in the post.
Police Find Hurd Wearing Gloves and Carrying a Screwdriver
When officers arrived, they found Hurd wearing gloves and carrying a screwdriver. Officers secured the scene and began an investigation. Those details suggested he had come prepared to break in. Screwdrivers are commonly used to pry open doors and windows.
Hurd had a history of burglary convictions, according to the post. He had been released on parole only months before the break-in. His release is likely to draw questions about parole supervision.
Woman Cooperates With Investigators and Faces No Charges
The woman, whose name has not been released, cooperated fully with investigators after the shooting. Investigators reviewed the evidence at the home. Police treated the case as a justified act of self-defense. Her infant was not reported to be harmed.
She faces no charges in connection with the incident. No further action is expected against her. Illinois law allows a person to use deadly force inside their home when they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent a violent felony.
Joliet Break-In Renews Conversation About Home Safety
The case has drawn wide attention online, with many praising the mother for keeping her baby safe. Others have used the story to debate gun ownership and home defense. The mugshot of Hurd has circulated widely alongside the story.
Safety experts recommend locking doors and windows, using alarm systems, and calling 911 immediately during a break-in. Having a plan to protect children in an emergency is also strongly advised. Joliet is a city in Will County, southwest of Chicago.
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