Authorities: Teen defends mother, fatally shoots father

A man in a ski mask who broke into his former girlfriend's house and threatened her with a gun early Tuesday morning was shot dead by their teenage son, authorities said.

John Heisler, 46, initially attempted to break in through a window at the St. Petersburg home where Jolene Andrews, 37, lived with her son and daughter, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Andrews and her new boyfriend, 47-year-old Alton Pyles, went outside to check on a loud crashing noise when they encountered Heisler, who authorities say was dressed in black tactical gear, including the ski mask and thigh holsters.

Andrews and Pyles ran back inside after Heisler pointed a gun at them, the news release said, but Heisler followed and forced his way inside.

Heisler grabbed Andrews by the upper body and tried to force her to the ground, authorities said.

Pyles called for help, awakening 18-year-old Malachi Heisler, who emerged from his bedroom with a gun.

The teen told investigators his father pointed a gun at his mother and then at him.

"In fear for his life, Malachi Heisler fired his weapon, striking (John) Heisler in the upper body," the news release stated.

John Heisler was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges have been filed.