Woman fatally shot ex-husband accused of breaking into home

FRANKLIN, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina woman fatally shot her ex-husband after he broke into her home and attacked a man sleeping there with a metal pipe, a sheriff has confirmed.

Christopher Prince is accused of disconnecting a security camera at his former wife’s Franklin home and using a small knife to unlock her bedroom door on Wednesday, Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland told WLOS-TV. The woman had sought a protective order against him on Monday, authorities told news outlets.

Holland said Prince used a metal pipe to strike a sleeping man multiple times over his body and head. Police aren’t identifying the man but said he is in critical condition. The ex-wife shot Prince in the head as he raised the pipe and came toward her, Holland said. He later died from his wounds.

Police didn’t identify the woman but noted in a statement that she is cooperating with officers. It’s unclear if she’ll face charges.

Prince was wanted in Henderson County for felony first-degree burglary charges, authorities said.