Sheriff: No charges likely in fatal home shooting

HAMILTON (AP) — The Ravalli County sheriff says a homeowner who shot and killed a burglary suspect probably won’t be charged.

Sheriff Christ Hoffman says the investigation hasn’t turned up any evidence of wrongdoing by the homeowner.

Montana law gives residents the right to defend themselves with deadly force in their homes if they fear for their lives.

Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright will make the final decision on charges. The newspaper says he didn’t return phone calls Monday.

Authorities say 39-year-old Tobias Ian Bishop was fatally shot at about 4 a.m. on March 17. The homeowner says the man broke a window, entered his house and ignored orders not to move.

Investigators have said they suspect Bishop had burglarized at least one other house that morning.