Intruder Killed During Fight with Homeowner

A Covina man described by police as an unarmed intruder was fatally shot Monday by a homeowner during a struggle in the resident’s backyard, police said.

Justin Abel, 23, died in the street a short distance from the backyard where he was shot once in the upper body, police said.

Police are investigating whether the homeowner, 55, who was not identified, fired in self-defense, Covina Police Lt. Kim Raney said.

Shortly after midnight, in the 200 block of Lyman Street, the homeowner’s wife went to the backyard to investigate a noise and discovered Abel, police said.

Her husband was awakened by the confrontation. He grabbed his .45-caliber pistol and went out to help his wife, police said.

The husband ordered Abel out of the yard.

“As Abel started to leave he turned and kicked one of property owner’s dogs and then turned back around and charged the [husband],” Raney said. “A physical confrontation ensued and the property owner was knocked back over a dog house and the .45-caliber pistol discharged.”

Abel staggered into the street before collapsing, police said.