Fort Worth homeowner fatally shot man trying to enter locked garage, police say

A man who lives at an east Fort Worth house confronted a burglar early Monday and shot the intruder to death in response to an aggressive approach, police said.

The shooter heard and saw the burglar, Fabian Abernathy, trying to enter a locked garage on the shooter’s property in the 3400 block of Avenue L, according to Fort Worth police. The homeowner encountered Abernathy about 6 a.m. and told him to leave.

The homeowner fired multiple rounds at Abernathy, shooting him at least once in the torso, police said. Abernathy, who was 47, walked or ran from the house, collapsed and died on the sidewalk at the intersection of Avenue L and Bishop Street.

The shooter called 911 to report the encounter and summon medical personnel. He remained at the house and is cooperating with an investigation, police said. Police have not arrested the shooter.