1. Van Zandt county judge reassures constituents that they are protected
2. Video

A woman shot a convicted sex offender who was attempting to forcefully enter her home early Tuesday morning, according to Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. The woman called 911 about 4:30 a.m., and deputies responded to her home on Texas State Highway 19 north of Canton.

Upon arrival, deputies found Christopher Ray Foster, 37, of Edgewood, was dead. Investigators determined that Foster was in the process of forcing entry into a side door of the home when the homeowner fatally shot him.

“Presently, as the result of underfunding and inadequate staffing at the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, homeowners need to take appropriate precautions to protect their families,” Sheriff Michael Ray said. “I will continue to support the law abiding citizens of our community when they are forced to take actions to protect their lives, liberty and property.”

Foster, who had a lengthy criminal history, and recently was released on bond from the Van Zandt County Jail, after he was accused of failing to comply with registration requirements as a sex offender.

The Texas Rangers were contacted by the Sheriff’s Office and requested to assist with the investigation. No arrests were made, and as a standard procedure, the case will be forwarded to the Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for Grand Jury referral.