Last night, we told you about the scary home invasion which occurred in Ladyville yesterday afternoon. Tonight, we have a little more insight into what happened at the home on Carpenter Street in the Mitchell Estate area.
The family has declined comment because they are very afraid that the gunmen or their associates may return. But, 7News understands that sometime between 2:30 and 3 p.m. yesterday, the matriarch of the household, her adult daughter, and her young grandchildren were at home. The 3 intruders reportedly arrived on foot, and it was one of the children who took notice and alerted one of the adults. We are told that she went on the verandah to investigate, and that's when she spotted an armed assailant crouching low. This female resident quickly tried to lock the front door, but the gunman forced his way into their living room. The assailant placed a gun to her head, and that's when she pleaded with the intruder for mercy.
We are told that the gunman did not demand any money, and neither did he try to steal any of their belongings and electronics. His accomplices were reportedly waiting in the yard. All the details are not clear, but we understand that after a commotion where the assailant chased after one of the children through the back door, he and his accomplices exited this terrified family's property without harming any of them.
Because this is a law-abiding household, and none of the family members were harmed, it is suspected that the gunmen were looking for another residence on the same street and that they were mistaken.
But, this family has been the victim of gun violence twice before. The matriarch, and her daughter, who came face-to-face with the gunman, are still grieving the loss of their innocent son and brother, who was shot and killed in 2009. Before that, the matriarch's teenaged nephew was taken from them back in 2003, when an armed assailant shot him after robbing the gas station he was working at.
Last night's home invasion shook them badly and reopened those old wounds. Of note is that this crime happened right behind the Ladyville Police Station, which is only a stone's throw away.
