Homeowner's ex-wife: Police killed wrong guy in burglary call

PITTSBURGH -- The ex-wife of a Pittsburgh homeowner fatally shot by police responding to a burglary call says officers “shot the wrong guy.”

Brenda Thompkins was divorced from the shooting victim, 57-year-old Christopher Thompkins, but the couple reconciled years ago and was sleeping together when they spotted an intruder about 4 a.m. Sunday. The woman said the couple woke up to the alleged intruder, later identified by police as Juan Jeter-Clark, standing over their bed, reports CBS Pittsburgh.

Christopher Thompkins grabbed Brenda’s gun and was headed downstairs when he fired at the intruder, who police arrested on a charge of criminal trespass.

Police say two officers who responded to a security alarm thought the shots were firing at them, and returned fire, killing Thompkins. Police say the officers saw a man coming down the steps of the home who began firing in their direction, the station reports.

The officers are on administrative leave and the police and district attorney are conducting separate reviews to determine whether the police shooting was justified.

“No cop goes out there wanting to shoot and kill somebody. Nor do we want our officers shot and killed,” Independent Civilian Police Review Board Ex-Director Elizabeth C. Pittinger told the station. “First and foremost they have the right to protect themselves like everyone else.”

The officers’ names haven’t been released.