Machete vs. Shotgun: Georgia Homeowner Defends Castle in Violent Home Invasion

Published February 27, 2026

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Two Douglas, Georgia women, Stephanie Ann Nicole Castillo and Elisabet Gaspar, are in custody after a homeowner shot them in self-defense during an alleged machete-wielding home invasion. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI confirmed the homeowner used a shotgun to repel the attack, resulting in felony charges for both suspects.

DOUGLAS, GA — A violent attempt at a residential robbery in Coffee County ended abruptly when a homeowner fought back against two machete-wielding intruders. On February 21, 2026, deputies responded to reports of a shooting near Tyler Road, where they discovered 35-year-old Stephanie Ann Nicole Castillo and 27-year-old Elisabet Gaspar suffering from gunshot wounds.

The investigation, conducted jointly by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), revealed that the two women allegedly attacked the homeowner with a machete during an attempted robbery. Fearing for their life, the homeowner retrieved a shotgun and fired, neutralizing both threats. Both Castillo and Gaspar were treated for their injuries before being booked into the Coffee County Jail.

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Protecting the Castle in Coffee County

The Sheriff’s Office has been vocal in its support of the homeowner’s actions, stating they stand behind the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families. The suspects currently face a laundry list of serious charges, including:

Armed Robbery
Aggravated Assault
First-Degree Home Invasion

While the investigation remains active and more charges are possible, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the efficacy of the shotgun as a home defense tool. In a close-quarters confrontation involving an edged weapon like a machete, the stopping power of a shotgun remains one of the most reliable options for ensuring the safety of a household.

Safety Tip: An edged weapon attack, such as one involving a machete, is extremely dangerous because of the speed and “silence” with which an intruder can close the distance. This case perfectly illustrates why a long gun, specifically a shotgun, is often preferred for home defense over a handgun; it offers a higher probability of stopping a determined attacker instantly.