Address:http://www.wkrn.com/Global/story.asp?S=443684&nav=1ugB4HQi
WKRN.COM Home > August 22, 2001

Clarksville Woman Shoots Ex-Boyfriend in Self-Defense Reporter:
Christi Lowe

A Robertson County woman shot her ex-boyfriend in an apparent case of
self-defense. As of Tuesday night, he was in critical condition and
police say she is lucky to be alive.

“He tore the screen out. He’d already opened up the window and was
tearing the screen out when she woke up.”

The victim was asleep in her bed, when police say the suspect broke into
her Robertson County home and attacked.

Undercover Detective Richard Head explains,
“She wrestled with him to try to keep him out.
He was too strong and pushed his way on in.”
Authorities say 42-year-old Leslie Joni Prater had nowhere to go so she
went for her gun, a .38 caliber pistol.

“She went around the bed to get her weapon, and when she did, he went
around the other side of the bed and lunged at her. She shot the first
time and missed, hit the wall. And she shot again and struck him in the
stomach.”

The suspect is the victim’s ex-boyfriend. Right after she shot him,
police say she called 911 herself.

911 call: “I shot him. He’s been after me for a year.”

It wasn’t the first time the suspect has bothered the victim. According
to investigators, James Holodnak has been stalking the woman since they
broke up in May.

“He would be in the lower driveway with his lights cut off…she was
scared of him.”

Neighbors told News 2 that the suspect broke into her house once before,
only three weeks ago. But this time, he went too far.

“I feel like she was trying to protect herself.” “He is breaking in on
her. So that makes me think she was in danger….so yes ma am, i think
she was lucky.”

The suspect was life-flighted to Vanderbilt where he is in critical
condition.

If he survives, authorities say he may face criminal charges, possibly
for stalking and home invasion.

As of Tuesday, police are not charging the woman with anything.

http://www.robertwaters.net