Man killed by Montgomery County homeowner sleeping at residence for 'some time' without permission

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Montgomery County Police have identified the man shot and killed by a homeowner in Poolesville Monday and say he had been sleeping in the homeowner's basement for some time without the homeowner’s permission.  

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Police identified Harry Trueman Powell, 34, of Washington, D.C. as the man accused of breaking into a Poolesville home. While on the phone with police, the homeowner fired Powell – striking and killing him.

The homeowner at a residence in the 18000 block of River Road called police around 9 a.m. on Monday.

Police say it appeared that Powell had been sleeping in the basement of the residence for some time without the homeowner’s permission.

FOX 5 spoke to the homeowner's father who said his son got back from a wedding on Saturday. Then, he saw a man outside his home on Monday as he was making coffee.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Homeowner shoots, kills man breaking into his Montgomery County home, police say

The father says somehow Powell got inside his son's house and his son called 911. He says his son told the intruder to leave, but indicated he lunged at him and shot the alleged intruder.

The father also tells FOX 5 police found a pillow and blanket in the basement, indicating Powell might have slept there.

Powell's family also spoke to FOX 5 and said Powell did have some mental health issues, but he had been seeking help. Their biggest question is how Powell ended up in the home where they believe he had no familiarity.

As of right now, no charges have been filed against the homeowner.

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This is an active and ongoing investigation, but police say this is an isolated incident.