Blanco County, Texas



From the Austin American-Statesman of February 14, 2004:

Man shoots and kills intruder



A man shot and killed an intruder in his Blanco County home early Friday morning, Blanco County sheriff's deputies said.



Deputy Steve Frederick, who investigated the shooting, said Steven Ray Foster, 42, drove a full-size Ford pickup through the gate of Perry Tatsch's residence near Hye in western Blanco County about 2 a.m. Foster kicked in the front door, entered the home and assaulted Tatsch, 40, who was asleep in bed with his wife, Frederick said.



Tatsch's wife pushed Foster into the kitchen while Tatsch escaped to the bathroom, but Foster kicked open the bathroom door and resumed beating on Tatsch, the deputy said.



After his wife pushed Foster into the kitchen a second time, Tatsch grabbed a handgun, Frederick said. Tatsch ordered Foster to leave the home; a struggle ensued, and Tatsch shot Foster once in the upper chest, Frederick said.



When deputies arrived, they found Foster lying at the front door, Frederick said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.



Tatsch was taken to Hill Country Memorial Hospital and treated for head injuries sustained during the assault.



Frederick said Tatsch had been separated from his wife and that Foster was interested in dating her.



In a statement given by Tatsch's wife, Frederick said, she gave no indication that the interest was reciprocated and described their relationship as a friendship. He said Foster had been drinking, but deputies are waiting on an autopsy report to find out whether Foster was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.



Frederick said the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed, but the case will be referred to a Blanco County grand jury.