BETHESDA, Md. – A Maryland woman and her mother are reeling from a terrifying home invasion that occurred over the weekend in East Bethesda. The incident involved a 40-year-old woman, reportedly from Alabama, who mistakenly targeted their home in a search for an ex-husband or ex-boyfriend.
The victims, Linda and Kristen, recalled the harrowing experience the morning after the brutal attack took place. It began when a woman, seeking someone named Jean Paul, arrived at their front door. Despite Kristen’s denial of knowing Jean Paul, the situation quickly escalated when the intruder attempted to force her way into the house.
The chaos unfolded as Kristen frantically called 911 while attempting to secure the back door. The assailant, determined to gain entry, broke through the door and unleashed a violent assault on Kristen. Meanwhile, Linda, who was upstairs at the time, rushed down to intervene and was also subjected to the attacker’s wrath.
The women managed to escape outside, where they summoned help from neighbors and law enforcement. The assailant, identified as Latoya Owens, was taken into custody and charged with burglary and assault. Despite the traumatic ordeal, Linda and Kristen expressed a desire for answers and reassurance regarding their safety moving forward.
Kristen revealed physical injuries she sustained during the attack, including a ruptured eardrum and facial bruises. Linda, with decades of residency in her home, emphasized the shock and disbelief of such a violent intrusion. As the legal process unfolds, concerns linger about the mental state of the assailant and the possibility of future incidents.
Authorities have ordered a mental health evaluation for Owens, who is currently being held without bond. The community remains shaken by the unprecedented violence that shattered the tranquility of a peaceful neighborhood. As the victims recuperate from the physical and emotional wounds inflicted, questions loom about the reasons behind the inexplicable assault and the long-term implications for their sense of security.