Sarah McKinley had to make a life-or-death decision when two men tried to break into the home she shares with her infant son on New Year's Eve.
"You have a choice, you or him," explained McKinley. "I chose my son over him."
McKinley's rural home
The driveway leading to the rural home where Sarah McKinley lives alone with her 3-month old son. Her 58-year-old husband recently died of lung cancer.
Justin Shane Martin was killed while trying to break into a teen mom's house
Justin Shane Martin, 24, died of a gunshot wound after he allegedly tried to break into the home Sarah McKinley shared with her infant son. McKinley's mom told reporters that Martin had followed her daughter around at a rodeo about two years ago and recently bumped into her at a convenience store.
Dustin Stewart, Martin's accomplice, now charged with murder
Dustin Stewart, 29, reportedly fled the scene after Sarah McKinley shot and killed his accomplice Justin Martin while the two tried to break into her home on New Year's Eve. Stewart reportedly told police that Martin knew Sarah McKinley's husband recently died of cancer and they expected to find prescription pain pills in the home.
Stewart has been charged with murder for his role in the botched break-in.
Sarah McKinley and her 3-month-old son
McKinley says that Justin Martin and Dustin Stewart terrorized her for 20 minutes before Martin broke through her front door and she shot him.
Sarah McKinley and her mom
Sarah McKinley, 18, (right) and her mother Debbie Murray outside the mobile home where McKinley shot and killed intruder Justin Martin with a 12-gauge shotgun when he and another man tried to break into her home. Authorities say she will not face charges.
McKinley called 911 during the incident and asked the operator if she could shoot the men.
"They said I couldn't shoot him until he was inside the house," said McKinley. "So I waited until he got in the door and then I shot him."
Attorney says McKinley was within her rights to shoot Martin
Local attorney Doug Friesen says the Make My Day Law protects someone in their home.
"The simple fact that you're unauthorized in the home is enough that allows the homeowner to use deadly force," said Friesen. "Without ascertaining whether there is a weapon involved or not."