A man allegedly trying to break into a Texas church pastor's home was fatally shot by the pastor and wife over the weekend, Houston police said.
Rev. Jeff Powers, 52, and his wife, Julie Powers, 54, could hear something in the rear of their home late Saturday night, prompting them to retrieve their firearms, the Houston Police Department said. The couple went to investigate the noises and discovered a man attempting to force open the back door.
"A preliminary investigation revealed the residents were asleep in their bed when they were awakened by a loud noise. While investigating the cause of the noise, they noticed their backyard gate was opened and saw a male (suspect) in their back yard," police said in a statement about the incident on Monday.
"The suspect then forced his way and gained entry into the residence. The residents, in fear for their lives, discharged their firearms several times, striking the suspect," the statement says.
After the shooting, the couple called 911, went outside and placed their guns on the ground while they waited for police. Firefighters responded to the scene and found the suspect mortally wounded inside the Texas couple's home. He had succumbed to his injuries at the scene, police said.
The Harris County Medical Examiner identified the suspect as Roberto Sanchez, 24.
Houston police are investigating the shooting, but no charges have been filed against Jeff or Julie Powers. The case will be presented to a Harris County Grand Jury who will be charged with deciding if charges should be filed against the pastor and his wife, according to an ABC News report.
The United Methodist Church said in a statement that Powers and his wife were "mourning the loss of life and cooperating fully with authorities."
Rev. Jeff Powers was scheduled to give his final sermon at the church he preaches at before turning it over to a new pastor. However, he was unable to make his last service, according to reports.
Photo: Getty Images