Waterford, California



From the Modesto Bee of August 8, 2004

Abuse victim kills her attacker



It had been weeks since Candy Mitchell had slept through the night. Strange backyard noises and someone banging on her bedroom wall would wake her up.



Every time Mitchell called deputies to search the yard, no traces were found of an intruder. Still, the 31-year-old mother of three had a strong suspicion who the prowler was.



Her ex-boyfriend had been released from jail in July after serving two months of a six-month sentence for three felony counts of spousal abuse for beating her, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department .



When 42-year-old John "Bud" Russell broke into her home late Thursday afternoon, Mitchell shot and killed him.



On Friday, sheriff's deputies said it appears Mitchell shot Russell in self-defense. The case will be turned over to the district attorney's office for a final decision on whether to press charges.



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