Alabama boy, 12, constructs tall tale about mother's death before revealing what REALLY happened
FORESTDALE, ALABAMA: Ayobiyi Abeni Harris Cook was accidentally shot dead by her 12-year-old son at their house in Forestdale, Alabama, shortly after midnight. Cook, a 29-year-old woman, was discovered dead at her house by Alabama police on Saturday, August 6, after officers responded to a 911 call, according to a statement from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Police initially said that a guy was seen running away from the residence where Cook's body was discovered, which prompted the 911 call. Authorities at the time asked anyone with information about the crime to submit more details because they felt there was no forced entry into the property. Authorities said that after initially lying to officers about what occurred, the 12-year-old boy admitted to shooting and killing his mother.
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Police had released a statement that read, "After investigation, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to determine that the victim’s 12-year-old son unintentionally discharged a firearm striking his mother (and) causing her death."
"The child originally fabricated a story that detectives determined was not possible. The child eventually gave a true account of what happened," the statement concluded. The boy's second explanation was supported by evidence gathered at the scene, which convinced authorities that the shooting wasn't intentional.
Authorities said the little kid and his family have been cooperative, and the case will be heard in family court. The unnamed child will continue to live with his family. The sheriff's office stated, "This offence is a tragedy for the Cook family and the entire community."
Cook's husband, Djuan Cook, posted information on his wife's memorial proceedings on Facebook. He stated, "Orange was Yo's favorite color so feel to wear it as we celebrate her life 🧡." The memorial service for Cook, who was affectionately referred to as "Yo" or "YoYo," will take place on August 12.
There have been at least 169 unintentional shootings involving children so far in 2022, according to a nonprofit organization called Everytown for Gun Safety, which campaigns for gun control and against gun violence. This year, child shootings resulted in 104 injuries and 74 fatalities in the United States.
Inadvertent child gunshots reached 392 in the United States last year, resulting in 163 fatalities and 248 injuries. According to Everytown, 3 million children and teenagers are exposed to gun violence every year, and 18,000 of them are shot and killed or injured. While parents believe covering up guns will keep children from getting access to them, 75% of children who live in a house with a gun know where it is kept, according to Nationwide Children's Hospital research.
According to Nationwide Children's, children as young as three may be able to use a gun, and studies show that even if a child has been told not to handle a gun, there are chances where they still will. Even non-powered firearms like BB guns, which some people consider toys, can cause significant injury because children often cannot discern the difference between a toy gun and a real gun.