Woman Kills Intruder With Bare Hands

A nurse returning from work discovered an intruder armed with a hammer in her home and strangled him with her bare hands, police said.

Susan Kuhnhausen, 51, ran to a neighbor's house after the confrontation Wednesday night. Police found the body of Edward Dalton Haffey, 59, a convicted felon with a long police record.

Officer Katherine Kent said homicide detectives have determined that Kuhnhausen killed Haffey in self-defense. She said a prosecutor is investigating but that the case is not expected to go to a grand jury.

Police said there was no obvious sign of forced entry at the house when Kuhnhausen, an emergency room nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center, got home from work shortly after 6 p.m.

Under Oregon law people can use reasonable deadly force when defending themselves against an intruder or burglar in their homes. Kuhnhausen was treated and released for minor injuries at Providence.

Haffey, about 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, had convictions including conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, robbery, drug charges and possession of burglary tools. Neighbors said Kuhnhausen's size — 5-foot-7 and 260 pounds — may have given her an advantage.

"Everyone that I've talked to says 'Hurray for Susan,' said neighbor Annie Warnock, who called 911. "You didn't need to calm her. She's an emergency room nurse. She's used to dealing with crisis."

[diamondp50]

Way to go Susan. I am so glad that you were able to relieve the earth of this scum and some other poor soul did not and will not meet their demise at his hands. I hope that you are well and glad you survived. As others have said, it could have been a totally different outcome.

[snoopy28215]

You go girl. I wish I were that brave.

[cornflower3]

good for her.

[peaceful1_4_U]

HURRAY TO SUSAN~ITS ABOUT TIME

[joanna38]

You go girl! I am happy that you are ok as this easily could have had a different outcoming.
You were right to defend what is yours and put this creep where he belongs.
Thanks for saving Oregon taxpayers money.

[grazinggoat]

NURSES DON'T JOKE, Burglars watch out... Anyone proposing a joint venture for Susan into a home security agency?

[zykracosmos]

You go girl!

[besscannon-2009]

Good for Susan! However, she was lucky to be a big girl with enough heft and strength to overcome the burglar. That shouldn't embolden smaller, frailer women to try ths same thing. What is good, is to try to find some place or person teaching self defense so they are better prepared to overcome an assault from someone larger and stronger. Bess Cannon, Grandin, Missouri

[maggie101161]

I don't think it was "Afraid of Susan" by any stretch of the imagination!!!! It was "HORRAY FOR SUSAN!" at the top of their lungs. People are tired of becoming victims to the slime who choose to prey on the unexpecting, innocent, and seemingly frail. People are standing up for themselves and protecting themselves from the dangerous invaders of their lives. I am sure that Susan did not go home intended on taking a life. But she sure was inteded on saving her own. Thank you Susan for being a role model for so many women. I know this will be hard on you for a while, but you will realize your inner streagth has just gotten stronger, and your true allies will be just that.
Thanks

[wamerritt]

You go susan. Burglars look out.