Homeowner Shoots Intruder Who Was Hallucinating And Talking Zombies

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (AP) — A man who authorities say had been hallucinating and talking about zombies was fatally shot over the weekend after he allegedly broke into an Orange County home.

A homeowner shot and killed Paul Bracamontes, 22, of Fullerton early Sunday in Yorba Linda, sheriff's investigators said. A couple awoke to hear Bracamontes screaming in their backyard and the wife called 911 as her husband confronted him.

Bracamontes threatened the couple and broke into their home by shattering a rear sliding glass door, authorities said. The husband then fatally shot Bracamontes. Authorities didn't say how many shots were fired.

Family members told investigators that Bracamontes had attended a party and was hallucinating earlier that night. He made references about zombies and wanting a gun, authorities said.

The homeowners said they did not know Bracamontes. They were interviewed and later released.

Authorities said the shooting appears to be justified because of Bracamontes' bizarre behavior. The case will be turned over to the Orange County district attorney's office for review.

An autopsy is planned Tuesday and toxicology tests, expected in two to three months, will reveal if Bracamontes was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Court records show that Bracamontes was charged with public intoxication in January, but the case was dismissed a few months later.