Layne Hoffee Keith, of Rainier, tells the story of the armed home invasion.
Layne Marie Hoffee Keith, 70, was in bed getting ready to watch her nature program on television in her Rainier, Washington, home. What she did not know was that she was about to get up close and personal with wildlife in her own bedroom.
Luckily, she was armed and prepared. Only, she had never fired her .22 Derringer in her life. And while training and practice are highly recommended, Hoffee Keith still had the presence of mind to point and shoot.
It may have saved her life.
Police report a suspect from Longview was decked out in dark clothing and carrying a handgun with several rounds when he entered the home. The intruder blinded and undoubtedly terrified Hoffee Keith when he shined a bright light in her face and demanded money and jewelry.
She said her only thought was that “I got a 50-50 chance of getting out of this.”
While he demanded that she retrieve valuables, Keith was able to get her handgun from its gun case under her bed after she brilliantly told him she was getting her inhaler. When the intruder looked away, she shot him.
She said it was the first time she ever fired the two-shot pistol. “I hesitated for a split second, [because] he was still standing there, [then] I shot him again.” He fell to the floor and fired wildly, missing his target with 17 rounds.
The intruder was identified as 53-year-old Chris Anthony Baratta. He was charged with attempted murder, burglary and robbery. Investigators said he heard rumors that she had a stash of cash, and he was deeply in debt. He reportedly broke into the home with a CMMB 9mm AR pistol, a pocketknife and flexicuffs.
Baratta’s ex-wife was also charged with driving him to the scene and attempting to help him escape after he was shot.
Hoffee Keith demonstrated an incredible amount of courage and self-control in defending herself from a well-armed home invader. She should and probably will seek training for her weapon, but it was irreplaceable when needed the most.
There’s nothing like a story with a happy ending.
